Shows
Make Your Wedding a HighlightS3E3: Your Highlight WeddingJosh typically has a guest on the podcast, but you might wonder, "What's a Highlight Wedding look like from his perspective?" or "What could my Highlight Wedding look like?" Well, Josh provides answers to BOTH those questions today. Follow along as he shares all of the day-of prep and the moments that your Highlight Wedding might include while providing tips on ways to make your Wedding a night that you as a couple, along with your guests, will remember for years to come!Make sure to click that subscribe button, so you don't miss an episode. And...2021-08-2518 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightS3E2: Capturing All Your Details with PS Cobia PhotographyDJ Josh is big on making your wedding YOUR wedding. How else would you be able to make it a Highlight!? Pevee Cobia from PS Cobia Photography has a similar philosophy! Her goal is to be totally invested in you as a couple and be 1000% there to capture all the moments that will tell your story as it unfolds.In addition to talking all things wedding, Josh and Pevee also chatted about the difference in cultural dynamics between the US and Asia, how their spouses help balance them out, and (for their fellow wedding pros) defining your...2021-08-1232 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightS3E1: Did You Miss Me?After a longer than expected hiatus, Josh Woeckener, owner of Highlight Weddings & Events, is BACK! He explains why he took the break and also shares his excitement for all the awesome that is upcoming! He mentions understanding your and your partner's Love Languages. You can take the test here to discover yours!Make sure to click that subscribe button, so you don't miss an episode. And if you haven't left a review, DJ Josh would appreciate it! He might even read it on a future podcast! To reach DJ Josh, email him at josh@highlightweddingsandevents.com.2021-08-0404 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightMake Pensacola's History Part of Your StoryDowntown Pensacola's busiest street is Palafox Street. On that street is one of Pensacola's historic buildings turned into premier wedding venues 5eleven Palafox. Josh recently had the opportunity to be a part of the wedding event team there, and invited Gracey McDonald, Event Sales Specialist at 5eleven Palafox, to be a guest on the podcast. She graciously (pun intended) accepted.They discussed both how Gracey came to be at 5eleven and how 5eleven came to be what it is today after being built in the 1800s. She shared 5eleven's goal for every couple who chooses to be...2021-05-0532 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightAuthentic Lasting Love: Country Singer-Songwriter, Jessie RitterMusic is at the very core of any wedding. It sets the tone and creates the vibe for the night. Whether you're at your big day, planning for it, or just thinking about it in the future, one thing we all aspire for is finding authentic and lasting love. That is precisely the focus of Jessie Ritter's music as well as her latest song, "Home." In addition to Country singer-songwriting, she also is an experienced wedding musician and loves being a part of "the happy love stories."Her and DJ Josh chatted about her start as a Cr...2021-04-2835 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightThe Flair of Cirque du Soleil for YOUR WeddingThere's an allure and magic the Cirque du Soleil evokes. From the sequined costumes to the unexpected maneuvers to the acrobatic feats, they effortlessly leave their audiences in awe. While booking Cirque du Soleil for your wedding may not be a possibility, you are still able to draw from its lineage by considering Luminary Entertainment Company to wow your guests and leave them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at your wedding.DJ Josh got to chat with Luminary owner and performer, Lydia Faith. She shares about all of the different entertainment options they can provide (from aerialists to...2021-04-2147 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Destin Bachelorette & Bachelor Party Essential!Destin is a GREAT place to have your wedding. It's also a great place to have your bachelor or bachelorette party. But if you're having your bachelorette or bachelor party during the Emerald Coast's busy season from March to October, Destin is also GREAT for traffic. So, why add that to your hassle? Go with Destin Tiki Bus, instead! Seating 10 people comfortably, it's perfectly suited to accommodate your wedding VIPs and allow everyone to just enjoy themselves for the party (or even the weekend!) without having to worry about logistics.DJ Josh got a chance to chat...2021-04-1516 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightCreate Your Ceremony's AtmosphereThere's a level of refinement that is associated with string instruments. They bring a feel of extra polish and panache when you see them but hearing them live their distinct quality transforms the environment that their sound fills. On this episode, DJ Josh from Highlight Weddings and Events chats with Ayla Green, owner of Bow Tied Music, about what an event with having them providing the soundtrack for your day.She shares, "Why Bow Tied?" What sets them a part from other potential live music companies in the area. She also chats about everything you'd need to k...2021-04-0850 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightMake Your Wedding Abstract!DJ Josh is all about adding unique touches to your wedding. What would be more unique than having a live painter capture your day invoking the emotions and the vibes from it as it is unfolding. Well, his guest today, Maxine Orange, from Abstract Bridal Portraits, does just that! If you've never been at an event with a live painter, it's something that just elevates the experience. Plus, getting a portrait done on the first day of the rest of your life seems pretty cool right?As they talked, Maxine shared her journey from Alabama to New...2021-03-3123 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightGulf Panoramic Views for Your Pensacola Beach WeddingThe cool thing about the Emerald Coast is there is a wide range of locations to choose from. From Panama City to 30A to Destin to Pensacola, can find what fits your style for your wedding perfectly. Today, DJ Josh from Highlight Weddings and Events chats with Michelle Wardlaw from Pier Suite. One of the defining features that Pier Suite has is it is the only wedding venue on Pensacola Beach that has a panoramic view of the Gulf!In addition to giving you a mental image of what to expect, Michelle also shared her path to...2021-03-2547 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightLessons I Learned From My WeddingThe cool thing about being a wedding professional is oftentimes you've had the experience of having your own wedding. DJ Josh has chatted with several wedding company owners that found their own found their company based on their own wedding experience. He didn't establish Highlight Weddings & Events directly because of his wedding experience but his wedding provided him with some lessons that he's learned as he looks back on it through the lens of his 7 years of wedding DJ experience.He shares lessons from the wedding planning process as well as helpful tidbits to keep in mind f...2021-03-1017 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Best Yes At Watercolor Inn & ResortThere are just some venues that are indescribably beautiful. Each moment captured is picture perfect wherever you are at the location. Watercolor Inn & Resorts is one of those venues. This week, DJ Josh from Highlight Weddings & Events got to sit down with Holly Odom, the Wedding Sales and Service Manager there to share more about what makes Watercolor so special. Spoiler alert: it's not JUST the picturesque backdrop they have. The culture there is one that will find a way to make your time there the end all be all. And, the staff isn't just focused on your wedding...2021-03-0333 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightExpertise While Planning YOUR WeddingSometimes there is a fear with couples that are considering hiring a wedding coordinator. As a bride, you may worry that once you hire a coordinator, you won't get to DO #allthethings that are the fun parts of the wedding planning process: picking out all the pretty design elements, putting together the invitations, all the Pinterest-type things. Jillian McCarthy from Jillian Rose Events understands that. She's planning her own wedding right now!DJ Josh sat down with her and she took the opportunity to share why she'd start a wedding planning company in the middle of a...2021-02-2434 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Wedding Weekend with SunQuestFor those who know, SunQuest Cruises is synonymous with their beautiful three-deck yacht, Solaris. But, SunQuest is more than just a pretty boat! DJ Josh got to chat with Kristi Summerlin from SunQuest Cruises and she shares how they can literally take care of your entire wedding weekend turning your destination wedding into a full-blown vacation. In this episode, Kristi lays out what your wedding weekend could look like!They also talk about their mutual experience at UWF, the amazing food that SunQuest's executive chef puts together (spoiler alert: cheese is involved), and what an authentic Destin/30...2021-01-2717 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightArrive At Your Wedding in Southern ComfortToday, DJ Josh gets to chat with Chris Hudson from Southern Comfort Services, a true black car transportation company in the Destin and 30A area. What's a true black car service? And what can Chris' team can provide for your wedding? Give this episode a listen.In it, you'll hear about their common background (both veterans), their similar day-off routines, as well as everything you need to know when booking transportation for your next event!Make sure to click that subscribe button, so you don't miss an episode. And if you haven't left a review...2021-01-2021 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Bridal Gown Experience With Margaret Ellen BridalIt's the beginning of 2021! As most of you probably know, the holidays are also engagement season and that means that this is the time of year when wedding planning begins in full force. One of the first major things to check off a bride's list is saying "Yes" to the dress. DJ Josh thought it would be the perfect time to talk to Maggie Matthews from Margaret Ellen Bridal, because, admittedly, he doesn't have any experience in bridal gown shopping.Maggie shares her passion for creating the experience for brides she works with, the joy she feels...2021-01-1326 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightSeason 2, Episode 1Welcome to the first week of 2021! Saying that DJ Josh is excited (and relieved) that we are now in 2021 is an understatement. In this episode, he shares his 2021 resolutions, his word for the year, some cool stats (most downloaded podcast, city with the most listeners, how many hours of content).If you want to follow and be up to date on non-podcast things (like Spotify playlists and recorded mixes), follow Highlight Weddings & Events on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates as well as other fun social media goodies!Next week we will have a...2021-01-0607 min
Make Your Wedding a Highlight2020 Thank You's and Wedding RecapThe end of the year has always been a time for reflection for DJ Josh, owner of Highlight Weddings and Events. 2020 is no exception (even if it may not have been the best year in recent memory...) Be prepared for ALL THE GRATITUDE. Here's to a happy new year and a much better 2021 than the 2020 we've all had to endure.The intro and outro for this Highlight Weddings & Events Podcast were both edited and produced by DropHouse Voiceover Production Studio and Tony Tee Neto, Voiceover Artist & Audio Producer. For more info on branding elements, editing, and...2020-12-3005 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Wedding's Harbor Sunset BackdropPositioned perfectly on the Destin Harbor, The Emerald Grande captures the daily picturesque sunsets there! It also has to be one of DJ Josh's favorite Emerald Coast wedding venues, so he was excited when he got the chance to chat with Emily Buckley, the banquet manager there.Emily shares how she worked her way up through the organization, all of the different venues (yes, venues plural!) that The Emerald Grande offers couples for their wedding, as well as how she arrived in this area.Make sure to click that subscribe button, so you don't miss...2020-12-1625 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightHow About Some Joy From Mingle 30A?One of DJ Josh's favorite parts of working in the wedding/private event industry is having so much beautiful aesthetic incorporated in each event. This week's guest, Rebecca Cross from Mingle 30A, helps to wow clients and their guests by decorating using balloons! It's a hot trend on the Emerald Coast that even COVID-19 couldn't cool down. And, it just might be right for YOUR wedding or event.DJ Josh and Rebecca talk about her serial entrepreneurship because even though she has "retired", she not only started Mingle 30A, she and her husband also launched The Grayt R...2020-12-1031 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightGo With The Glam Squad For Your WeddingThe way a wedding event team is comprised, you don't always get to meet the other members of it. That's the case with DJ Josh and Brittany Sigler, owner of Destin Mobile Makeup Box and 30A Mobile Makeup Box. He has been a part of numerous weddings with her but they hadn't ever chatted until this episode!Brittany shares how her passion for being a bridal hair and makeup artist means that she wants to make the bride's experience second to none ensuring that the party starts BEFORE the wedding reception. She also talked about lessons she...2020-12-0249 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightAdd Charcuterie To Your Wedding ExperienceCharcuterie is a new trend as a unique experience in its own right. But have you considered incorporating it as part of your wedding? Whether it's part of your Rehearsal Dinner, preparing for the big day, or even having it as part of the Reception, charcuterie is a great accent for any occasion. Fortunately, the co-owner of The Blue Magnolia, Nathalie Barreto, sat down and shared with me how her and her father, George, started their company during the COVID-19 quarantine period. In addition to talking about The Blue Magnolia, we also discussed our similar experiences in Calculus, where...2020-11-2127 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightConsider Keeping Your Wedding Intimate!On today's episode, you may recognize my guest from Episode 7 when we talked about how to find the right wedding coordination for your big day. (If you haven't checked it out, yet, you should ;) ). However, we aren't talking about wedding coordination today but a unique concept to the Emerald Coast: micro-weddings. Since Avis Glenister is what I like to call a serial wedding entrepreneur, it didn't surprise me that she would create a new wedding concept for the Emerald Coast while we were on quarantine. As she was looking for a way to accommodate couples who wanted...2020-11-1323 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy a Flower Farm Might Be Right For Your FloralsSo, I'll be honest. When I was in the wedding planning process, flowers weren't really a big deal to me. What can I say? I was the typical groom. But, ladies, I understand. Especially if photographs are a big priority to you, flowers mean EVERYTHING!Well, fortunately for me, I got to be schooled on all things florals by Kerrie Brogdon from KB Farms Cut Flowers. Not only that but we also talked about how she and her husband came to owning KB Farms, how they've been able to adapt and make it through COVID-19, as well...2020-11-0425 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightRelax and Eat CakeSocial Media is a wonderful thing. It brings people together from all around the world. It also allows you to "meet" people in your local area that you never came across before, especially those in your industry! This is the case for this episode with Mallory Archer, the owner of Relax and Eat Cake. I haven't met her in person but we have Insta-met, so that counts for something!As you can imagine, Mallory is a wedding and private event cake baker. Since I don't often get a chance to chat with cake bakers on the day...2020-10-2832 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightHave A Wedding With A VueWhen you think of having a destination wedding on Florida's Emerald Coast, you probably envision your venue on the beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. If that's the case, you need to check out Vue on 30A. With its floor to ceiling windows and how far it sits above the beach, this is a wedding to definitely consider. This week, I got the chance to chat with Anna Parish, Vue's Private Event Director. I've had the pleasure of working with her several times but it was so nice to just chat with her about why couples LOVE...2020-10-2015 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightFor Your Defining Moments, Start HereSome of the guests on Make Your Wedding a Highlight, I've had the pleasure of being a part of an event team with. Some I haven't, yet, but hope to soon. This week's guest was Heather Archdeacon-Willams, the owner of Defining Moments Weddings & Events. She also happened to be the wedding coordinator for the best wedding I've ever been to: my own :). I haven't been able to be a part of an event team with her yet just because our schedules never quite lined up but I was so excited that I got to chat with her (as well a...2020-10-1534 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWedding Lessons Learned: The Host Becomes the Guest!We've made it through FOUR MONTHS! Thank you to everyone who has listened so far!On this episode, DJ Josh changes places and becomes the guest on the show. The host? His beautiful wife, Rhoda.He talks about some of the lessons he has learned from his almost six years of wedding DJ experience. And, as usual, you get a chance to learn fun facts about him as well!Make sure to click that subscribe button. And if you haven't left a review, I'd appreciate it! I might even read it on a...2020-10-0618 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightHave a Photo Booth at Your WeddingAs a wedding DJ/MC, I am all about making sure you and your guests have a good time and are entertained throughout the night. What's better than having a wedding DJ/MC at your event? Having a wedding DJ/MC AND a photo booth! As Geraldyn Martinez from Lumi Pod Photo Booth Rental explains, the photo booth isn't just for kids. It's for ALL your guests!On this episode, Geraldyn shares her journey to becoming a photo booth rental company owner, all of the great reasons to have a photo booth at your wedding, and reflects...2020-09-2926 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightGet Wedding Ready With Full Draw Initiative"Everybody wants to look good standing up there," according to Halston Michaud, owner of Full Draw Initiative. This week, we will take a look at how, working with Full Draw Initiative, a couple can be physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared for marriage working with Halston and his team. Using their personalized approach to help achieve personalized goals, your highlight will be found in your process. We also discuss how Full Draw got its name and what wedding planning looked like for Halston.Make sure to click that subscribe button. And if you haven't left a review, I'd...2020-09-2221 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightCalligraphy: The Polish For Your WeddingThere are just some things that are immediately associated with weddings. A wedding cake is one. Letterpress printing is another. Calligraphy is as well. I got the pleasure of having Suzanne Miller from Suzanne Miller Calligraphy & Lettering as a guest on this week's podcast!In addition to sharing insight on what calligraphy encompasses, I learned about the different applications for it as well as what styles are currently trending. Suzanne also shares how she's musically inclined, what movies she would star in if given the chance as well as how COVID-19 has impacted her and her family!2020-09-1524 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightPlanning Your Destination WeddingToday's episode features Jamie Cooper from Fancy Events. With over 10 years of wedding planning experience, she knows a thing or two about what couples need to keep in mind. Additionally, she also has been a part of the wedding event team for numerous destination weddings, so I thought that would be a great topic for us to talk about.We also chatted about what excites her about being part of a couple's wedding event team, the role a coordinator plays on that team, how she has adapted to COVID-19, what super hero she would be, and where...2020-09-0834 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour Wedding At The Henderson: Customized Experience. Flawless Event TeamI make no secret about it in this episode. The Henderson is one of my favorite wedding venues to be a part of the wedding event team at. Imagine my excitement when I got the chance to chat with Jillian McCarthy, the Wedding Sales Manager! I wanted to get her take on why couples book their weddings there as well as the importance of having a solid wedding event team to make your wedding a flawless experience for you and your guests.She also shared how The Henderson has adapted to the threat from COVID-19, what it's...2020-09-0133 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy Styled Shoots?Know what's one of the cooler things of being a part of the wedding industry? According to makeup artist Hayley from Gulf Coast Glam House, it's getting to be a part of STYLED SHOOTS! Since I'm a DJ, I’ve always thought being a part of a styled shoot would be fun but I didn’t really see how I would fit practically. Hayley shares about how styled shoots are not just beneficial for brides who are wedding planning. They're also great for the wedding professionals that play a role in making each styled shoot come to life. ...2020-08-2553 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightYour 30A Mobile Bar: Tap The CoastAs you've been listening to the podcast (and if you haven't, you should ;) ), you may have noticed a trend with some of the small business owners. Both Nicole W. Clark and this week's guest, Dannon Hooks, started their businesses because they noticed a void in the market for something they wanted to incorporate in their own wedding. To find out more about Dannon's journey to owning her own business, what Tap the Coast has in store, as well as how her and her husband Christopher met, give this episode a listen! Also, if you enjoy it, hit...2020-08-1835 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightOn The Cake TopI came across Nicole W. Clark's Instagram as I was looking through the Search section of Instagram. You HAVE to check it out. Her cake toppers are the CUTEST, most social media things I have EVER seen. Anyway, this conversation was one I particularly enjoyed it because Nicole's passions mirror my own: weddings and business. In addition to sharing her journey of how she found her GOOD idea making custom cake toppers, she also offers some encouraging words for prospective entrepreneurs who are debating on whether or not to start their own business. (Spoiler alert: She emphatically...2020-08-1134 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightSay "Hello" To Your Wedding InvitationsI'll admit. Before I met Chris, I never knew what letterpress printing was. So, I'm glad I was able to have him come on the podcast and drop some knowledge! Chris Tipton from Fresh Impressions Letterpress Studio pulls back the curtain on a printing process that utilizes antique equipment to create what most people would associate with wedding stationery. We got to chat on what he enjoys about the design process, how much time you should budget for letterpress printing for your wedding invitations, as well as what the coolest invitation design Chris has ever created! 2020-08-0426 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightThe Right Level of Wedding Coordination For YOU!This week, I chatted with Avis Glenister, the owner of Peach & Pearl Events, the owner of Carillon Weddings and Events, and the founder of 30A Wedding Co. I've had the pleasure of being a part of several weddings with Avis as the coordinator, and she is even more of a delight to work with than she sounds with her charming Southern accent.We got to talk about how she arrived here from Georgia, the different levels of wedding coordination, how to properly budget for your wedding, as well as how important expectations are when getting ready for...2020-07-2836 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy A Coffee Bar Will Wow Your GuestsUp until last year, a coffee bar at a wedding reception was a foreign concept to me. Fortunately, Coastal Coffee Bar Co. provides everything you need to give the bridal party and your guests that caffeine boost to keep the party going long into the night!Co-owned by Donavan and Kasey Perry, the Coastal Coffee Bar Company has been something in the making for awhile between their experience owning a Photobooth company and Kasey's experience as a director of a Chamber of Commerce. Get to know them a little better as they share with you why a...2020-07-2142 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy An Elopement Might Be Right For YouFor having this conversation a couple of months ago, the release of this specific podcast now is extremely timely. Couples are rethinking what their wedding looks like as COVID-19 is still a pandemic, and elopement is becoming one of those options couples might not have considered only six months ago.Eloping oftentimes has a negative connotation. Either people see it as a couple missing out on what should be the biggest celebration of their love or it's perceived as being a secretive affair. Neither are true when you elope at The Pearl RB!I got...2020-07-1445 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightA Phocus On Relationship To Better Tell Your StoryI've always enjoyed catching up with wedding professionals that I've been a part of the wedding event team with outside of the event space. This was the case when I got the chance to interview Tim Sewell from Phocus Photography. We talked about how the better you get to know the couple, the better you will be able to create their one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Speaking of the couple, Phocus Photography’s ideal client is a couple who is mad, crazy in love that values the memories they will have from their wedding for years to come. With a...2020-07-0745 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightA Perfect Marriage of Barn & Ballroom: The Majestic OaksBarn wedding venues have surged in popularity over the last five years. At first glance, you'd think The Majestic Oaks would be just another addition to that category. But, Karen Hornsby, co-owner of The Majestic Oaks, shared the deliberate process her and her staff went through to make it more than just another barn wedding venue. Instead, the different design and functional features available at the venue open up the "paintbrushes of the mind" for couples to really make their wedding day their own. We also chatted about Karen's passion for music and the potential that the future holds...2020-06-3024 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy Film Photography Is Right For Your WeddingIn the digital age, it may seem odd to suggest adding film photography in addition to the digital photos we are accustomed to. BUT, Holly Ferris from LaFleur Photography gives us many reasons why! She also shares how she started photographing weddings, why couples should consider film photography in addition to digital, her favorite moments in a wedding, and personal fun facts about her as well as her book of nighttime street photography, Night Lights. This Highlight Weddings & Events Podcast was edited and produced by DropHouse Voiceover Production Studio and Tony Tee Neto, Voiceover Artist & Audio Producer...2020-06-1920 min
Make Your Wedding a HighlightWhy You Should Hire a Wedding VideographerIn the wedding planning process, couples are often faced with the dilemma of whether or not to hire a wedding videographer. DJ Josh chats with Cali Hlavac (Kay-Lee Lav-atch) from Silver Shade Studios, a wedding videography company based on the Emerald Coast of Florida. We chat about how she started out in the wedding industry, her videography style, why we think you should strongly consider having a videographer on your wedding event team, as well as her massive shoe collection and what her golf handicap is! Here's a little about Cali... Cali Hlavac is in LOVE...2020-06-1331 min