In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re stepping inside The Grand Sofia, the Gulf Coast’s newest premier luxury venue where coastal beauty meets modern elegance. Located directly on the beach in Biloxi, Mississippi, this state-of-the-art space is designed to host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas with effortless sophistication.

With 10,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed event space, crystal chandeliers, coffered ceilings, & sweeping oceanfront views, The Grand Sofia offers a breathtaking backdrop for weddings, corporate events, & milestone celebrations. Every detail has been curated to create a seamless experience, from private preparation suites to a full commercial kitchen, built-in AV systems, & a spacious bar for cocktail hours & receptions.

This episode explores what makes The Grand Sofia more than just a venue, but a complete event experience designed with flexibility, luxury, & ease in mind.

We talk about:

• How The Grand Sofia was designed for both intimate & large-scale events
• What sets a true luxury venue experience apart on the Gulf Coast
• The importance of thoughtful design, flow, & guest experience
• How built-in amenities simplify planning for clients & vendors
• Creating unforgettable moments in a beachfront setting

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gala, or special celebration, this episode gives you an inside look at one of the coast’s most exciting new event destinations.

Follow The Grand Sofia:

Instagram | @thegrandsofia

Facebook | The Grand Sofia

Website | thegrandsofia.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re stepping into the sweet world of Dolce Bakeshop with owner Brooke Rester, a Gulf Coast favorite known for turning life’s celebrations into something truly unforgettable. From custom wedding cakes to handcrafted desserts, Dolce blends classic treats with hand-crafted art, creating a menu that feels both nostalgic & elevated.

Brooke shares her journey from baking at home with self-taught recipes to building a thriving bakery rooted in family, faith, & community. What started as a way to stay home with her daughter quickly grew into a full-time business, eventually leading to the opening of Dolce’s iconic beachside location in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Now approaching ten years in business, Brooke reflects on growth, resilience, & the heart behind every cake, cupcake, & dessert that leaves her shop. From weddings to birthdays to everyday moments, Dolce Bakeshop continues to be a place where celebration & craftsmanship come together.

We talk about:

• How Dolce Bakeshop began as a home baking dream
• Building a business while raising a family
• What goes into creating custom wedding cakes & event desserts
• The journey of growing a beloved Gulf Coast bakery

Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating a milestone, or just love a good story behind great desserts, this episode is full of heart, hustle, & inspiration.

Follow Dolce Bakeshop:

Instagram | @dolcebakeshopms

Facebook | Dolce Bakeshop

Website | dolcebakes.net

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re diving into a truly unique wedding experience with Katie Brace Peterson, the artist behind Katie Rose Studio. Blending creativity, emotion & live entertainment, Katie shares how she turned her lifelong love for art into a one-of-a-kind service capturing weddings in real time through live painting.

With a background in mathematics & statistics, Katie’s journey hasn’t been linear. From the corporate world to the classroom & ultimately back to her creative roots, she shares how rediscovering art, especially while planning her own wedding, led her to build a business rooted in passion & purpose.

We talk about the magic of live wedding painting, from creating heirloom pieces guests can watch come to life to offering couples a lasting, tangible memory of their day. Katie also shares how live fashion illustrations add an interactive, elevated experience for guests, blending art, fashion & entertainment seamlessly into the celebration.

We talk about:

• How Katie found her way back to art after a career in STEM
• What goes into live painting during a wedding day
• The value of creating heirloom artwork in real time
• How live art enhances the guest experience
• Turning a creative passion into a meaningful business

Whether you’re looking for a unique way to elevate your wedding or you simply love seeing creativity come to life, this episode offers a fresh perspective on artistry, storytelling & celebrating moments in a way that lasts forever.

Follow Katie Rose Studio:

Instagram | @katierose.studio

Facebook | Katie Rose Studio

Website | katierosestudio.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re sitting down with Mary-Pate of MM Photography to talk about what really goes into capturing a wedding day, from the early planning stages to the final moments behind the camera. After leaving the traditional 9-5, Mary-Pate built a business that allows her to serve her clients well while still prioritizing her family, & she’s sharing what that balance actually looks like in real life.

We dive into the behind-the-scenes of wedding photography, the long hours, the preparation, the pressure to capture once-in-a-lifetime moments, & why timelines, communication, & trust matter more than most couples realize. Mary-Pate also shares why being the right fit for your photographer is just as important as loving their work, & how a strong connection can completely change your experience on your wedding day.

We talk about:

• What a wedding day really looks like for a photographer
• The time, energy, & preparation that go into doing it well
• Why connection & trust between photographer & client matter
• Creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience in high-pressure moments
• Balancing business, growth, & family life

Whether you’re planning your wedding or stepping into the industry yourself, this episode gives you a real, honest look at what it takes to show up & deliver when it matters most.

Follow MM Photography:

Instagram | @mmphotography22_ms Facebook | MM Photography

TikTok | @marypate2019

Website | magnoliamainphotography96.mypixieset.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re stepping into a world where artistry, storytelling, & florals collide with heart, heritage, & creativity at The French Potager. Founded by artist Martha Whitney Butler, this beloved Bay St. Louis shop is more than a flower shop, it’s an ever-evolving creative space rooted in beauty, intention, & inspiration.

Martha shares her journey from the corporate world to chasing a dream in a small coastal town that quickly became home. What started as “the tiniest, cutest little building on Main St.” has grown into a destination known for its signature floral designs that feel anything but ordinary.

The French Potager approaches floral design as an art form, creating one-of-a-kind arrangements using seasonal blooms, local flowers, & unique vessels that elevate every piece. From daily deliveries to full-scale weddings & events, their work is rooted in emotion, storytelling, & creating moments that feel both personal & unforgettable.

We talk about:

• How Martha built a creative business rooted in passion & intuition
• The inspiration behind The French Potager & its ever-evolving concept
• Why bespoke floral design creates a more meaningful client experience
• What it takes to deliver high-touch, white-glove service for weddings & events
• How environment, artistry, & intention come together to create joy-filled spaces

Whether you’re a bride dreaming of elevated, story-driven florals or simply someone who appreciates creativity in its most authentic form, this episode offers a fresh perspective on building a business, & a life, around what you love.

Follow The French Potager:

Instagram | @thefrenchpotager

Facebook | The French Potager

Website | thefrenchpotager.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re diving into behind-the-scenes storytelling, real-time memories, & the art of capturing the moments you didn’t even know were happening with Bailee Brick of Divine Design Co. Bailee joins us to break down how modern couples are preserving their day in a whole new way, beyond traditional photo & video, with candid, in-the-moment coverage designed for sharing & reliving instantly.

Divine Design Co specializes in wedding day content creation, delivering vertical footage, BTS clips, & same-day content ready for social media. Bailee shares what it takes to document a wedding as it naturally unfolds while working seamlessly alongside planners, photographers, & videographers to enhance the couples’ experience.

We talk about:

• How Bailee got started & what inspired her to launch Divine Design Co
• What wedding content creation actually is, & how it differs from traditional media
• The value of having real-time memories delivered within 24 hours
• How content creators collaborate with vendor teams behind the scenes
• Common misconceptions about wedding content creation & how couples can decide if it’s right for them
• Tips for maximizing your wedding weekend content without feeling glued to your phone

Whether you’re planning a wedding, working in the industry, or curious about the rise of wedding content creation, this episode is full of insight, clarity, & practical perspective from someone helping couples relive their day almost instantly.

Follow Divine Design Co:

Instagram | @divinedesignco

Facebook | Divine Design Company

Website | divinedesigncompany.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re sitting down with Kegs Wedding Films to talk about what it really takes to turn raw talent into a lifelong career & how that same level of dedication shows up on wedding days. What started as a young talent evolved into into a full-time passionate profession rooted in storytelling, discipline, & heart.

This conversation goes far beyond cameras & editing software. We dive into how strong vendor communication is one of the most underrated keys to a seamless wedding day. From timeline collaboration to staying in sync with planners, photographers, & DJs, they share how proactive communication behind the scenes creates calm, smooth experiences for couples.

We also talk about what they intentionally do to eliminate stress for their clients, from clear expectations & prep calls to being emotionally aware in high-pressure moments. Their philosophy? A wedding filmmaker shouldn’t just show up to “get the shots.” They should show up as a grounded, present professional who understands the weight of the day.

We talk about:

• How turning early production talent into a career shaped their work ethic
• Why vendor communication can make or break a wedding timeline
• Practical ways they reduce stress for couples before & during the big day
• How to remain present as a vendor, not just a videographer
• Why professionalism & emotional intelligence matter just as much as creativity

If you’re a couple wanting a wedding film that feels intentional & stress-free, or a wedding professional looking to elevate how you show up onsite, this episode is full of honest insight & real behind-the-scenes perspective.

Follow Kegs Marketing & Kegs Wedding Films:

Website | kegsmarketing.com

Instagram | @kegsweddingfilms

Facebook | Kegs Marketing

Facebook | Kegs Wedding Films

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re diving into heart-led hospitality, resilience, & the powerful connection between food & healing with Whitney Bovastro of Cooking with Whitney. Whitney joins us to share how her culinary journey was shaped & how it’s now the foundation for a purpose-driven business centered on comfort, care, & community.

Cooking with Whitney is more than a catering company, it’s an extension of Whitney’s belief that food brings people together in their most meaningful moments. From intimate gatherings to celebratory events, her work is rooted in intention, warmth, & creating experiences that feel deeply personal. Whitney shares how adversity refined her vision, strengthened her faith in her calling, & fueled the heart behind her brand.

We talk about:

• Whitney’s calling in this life came about
• The role food plays in bringing comfort, connection, & healing
• Building a business from a place of purpose rather than pressure
• The emotional side of hospitality that often goes unseen
• Lessons learned through hardship & how they translated into entrepreneurship
• Advice for creatives building something meaningful in the midst of life’s challenges

Whether you’re planning an event, building a business, or walking through a difficult season yourself, this episode is full of honesty, encouragement, & perspective from someone who turned pain into purpose & created something beautiful in the process.

Follow Cooking with Whitney:

Instagram | @cooking_with_whitneyllc

Facebook | Cooking with Whitney LLC

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re diving into high-energy entertainment, seamless flow, & unforgettable guest experiences with Bigby Sound. Brandon Hursell, owner & DJ, joins us to break down how professional entertainment goes far beyond pressing play… it’s about reading the room, controlling the pace, & creating moments people remember long after the last song.

Bigby Sound provides professional DJ/MC services, cold sparks, photobooths, & lighting, all designed to elevate events from start to finish. Brandon shares what it takes to keep an event running smoothly while delivering an experience that feels intentional, exciting, & effortless.

We talk about:

• How Brandon got started & what led him to create Bigby Sound
• The role of a professional DJ/MC in guiding the flow of an event
• Behind-the-scenes coordination that guests never see, but always feel
• Common entertainment mistakes couples make & how to avoid them
• Tips for choosing the right entertainment team & creating a reception that stays packed all night

Whether you’re planning a wedding, working in the industry, or just love a great party, this episode is full of expert insight, practical advice, & real-world perspective from someone who knows how to keep the energy high & the night moving.

Follow Bigby Sound:

Instagram | @bigbysound

Facebook | DJ Bigby

Website | bigbysound.com

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In this episode of The Hitch List, we’re bringing the fun, color, & creativity with a vendor who proves that balloons are anything but basic. We’re joined by Bounce With Style, a balloon artist known for bold installs, playful details, & statement pieces that instantly transform an event space.

From organic balloon garlands to custom backdrops & unexpected design moments, Bounce With Style shares how balloons can elevate everything from weddings to celebrations of all kinds, & why they’ve become such a powerful design element in modern events.

We talk about:

• How Bounce With Style got started & the journey into balloon artistry
• Why balloons & inflatables have evolved into a major event design trend
• How custom installs are designed to fit a space, color palette, & vibe
• The behind-the-scenes prep, planning, & problem-solving that goes into each install
• Tips for choosing designs that photograph beautifully & last throughout your event
• Favorite installs, standout moments, & creative challenges along the way

Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a celebration, or just love seeing creative ideas come to life, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, & plenty of fun from an artist who knows how to make a statement.

Follow Bounce With Style:

Instagram | @bouncewithstyle

Facebook | Bounce With Style

Website | bouncewithstyle.com

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