The Hitch List Podcast

Abbi Adkins

Welcome to The Hitch List Podcast, where weddings & events get real. I’m Abbi, your host, & after more than a decade planning weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, & everything in between, I’ve collected more stories than I ever expected, & I’m excited to share them with you. I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes. We’ll talk about the emotional moments, the late-night chaos, the vendor curveballs, the timelines that go off the rails, & the small mishaps that somehow turn into unforgettable memories. And it’s not just me... I’ll be sitting down with wedding & event professionals from every corner of the industry. Caterers, photographers, planners, florists, DJs, venues, décor pros... you name it! They’ll share their unfiltered experiences, best advice, & the wild stories they’ve collected along the way. Whether you’re planning an event, working in the industry, or just love a good behind-the-scenes peek, you’ll get real talk, practical tips, & plenty of laughs. All from people who’ve lived it. So grab your coffee (or champagne) & let’s dive into the crazy, beautiful, unpredictable world of weddings & events… together!

  1. 4d ago

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with White House Bridal

    In this episode of The Hitch List, we're sitting down with Hailey White, owner of White House Bridal, the coast’s newest boutique bridal shop nestled in the heart of Picayune, Mississippi. Hailey's story in the wedding industry started at just 13 years old, working at one of the South's premier wedding venues, & she eventually worked her way up to head wedding coordinator & venue manager. Safe to say, she's seen the industry from just about every angle. Add to that a reign as Miss Mississippi USA 2022, a trip to compete at Miss USA, & a wealth of experience working alongside designers in the fashion world, & you've got someone who approaches bridal with a perspective that's anything but ordinary. She knows exactly what it feels like to be on the other side of that fitting room mirror! At White House Bridal, Hailey has created a space where every bride gets a personalized, one-on-one appointment & a curated gown selection that spans classic to trend-forward, all in a warm, intimate setting where the only goal is making sure you walk out feeling completely & utterly yourself. We talk about: How Hailey's journey in the wedding industry began at 13 & what she learned along the wayWhat her experience as Miss Mississippi USA taught her about style, design, & confidenceThe vision behind White House Bridal & what makes the boutique experience differentHow she helps brides who don't know what they want figure out exactly what they wantWhat brides should know before they ever walk into a bridal appointmentWhether you're a bride in the early stages of planning, someone who loves a great origin story, or just can't resist hearing from a woman who has truly done it all in this industry, this episode is full of heart, fashion, & the kind of insight you can only get from someone who has lived it from every side. Follow White House Bridal: Facebook | White House Bridal Instagram | @whitehousebridal_ Website | whitehousebridalshop.com Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don't miss an episode!

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with White House Bridal
  2. Jul 20

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with P&I Productions

    In this episode of The Hitch List, we're turning up the volume with Elvis Ta, owner of P&I Productions, a Gulf Coast DJ & entertainment company. Whether he's behind the decks at a wedding reception, a private party, or a social hot spot, Elvis brings a level of energy that's hard to put into words & even harder to sit still for. P&I Productions serves weddings, private parties, holiday events, bars & clubs, with a music library that spans every genre you can imagine. But what keeps people talking about Elvis long after the last song isn't just the music, it's the feeling he creates in a room. High energy, crowd-in, nobody-wants-to-go-home kind of vibes. We talk about: How Elvis got his start & what led him to build P&I ProductionsWhat it really takes to read a crowd & keep the energy climbing all night longHow he engages a room beyond just the music & why that makes all the differenceBehind-the-scenes prep that goes into a wedding day set, from the first dance to the final songWhat he wishes more couples knew when it comes to booking entertainmentWhether you're planning a wedding, throwing a party, or just love hearing from someone who was built for the booth, this episode delivers energy, insight, & plenty of good vibes. Follow P&I Productions: Facebook | P&I Productions Instagram | @pi_productions1 Website | pi-productions.net Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don't miss an episode!

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with P&I Productions
  3. Jul 6

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Crissy Cox Makeup Artist

    In this episode of The Hitch List, we're sitting down with a Gulf Coast beauty staple, Crissy Cox, an on-location freelance makeup artist serving our beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast. From her early days behind the MAC Cosmetics counter to building a thriving bridal & event beauty business, Crissy has spent years creating looks & building genuine connections with the clients who sit in her chair. Specializing in bridal, boudoir, Mardi Gras, prom, & special event makeup, Crissy brings expertise, warmth, & a whole lot of personality to every appointment. She joins us to share what it really looks & feels like to be one of the first vendors a bride encounters on her wedding morning, & why that moment matters more than most people realize. We talk about: How Crissy got her start & what made her build this businessWhat goes into creating a bridal look that feels true to each individual clientThe many hats of running a beauty business, from artist to scheduler, marketer, & everything in betweenHow she translates inspiration photos into real, wearable looks for real peopleThe gap between what clients see on Pinterest & what actually works for their features, skin tone, & wedding day conditionsWhether you're a bride in the planning stages, a vendor who works alongside beauty pros, or just love a good story about turning passion into purpose, this episode is full of heart, expertise, & real talk from someone who has made the Gulf Coast a little more glamorous, one face at a time. Follow Crissy Cox Makeup Artist: Facebook | Crissy Cox - Makeup Artist Instagram | @crissycoxmua Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don't miss an episode!

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Crissy Cox Makeup Artist
  4. Jun 15

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The Grand Sofia

    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 eventsWhat sets a true luxury venue experience apart on the Gulf CoastThe importance of thoughtful design, flow, & guest experienceHow built-in amenities simplify planning for clients & vendorsCreating unforgettable moments in a beachfront settingWhether 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 🎧 Subscribe & don’t miss an episode

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The Grand Sofia
  5. Jun 1

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Dolce Bakeshop

    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 dreamBuilding a business while raising a familyWhat goes into creating custom wedding cakes & event dessertsThe journey of growing a beloved Gulf Coast bakeryWhether 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 🎧 Subscribe & don’t miss an episode

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Dolce Bakeshop
  6. May 18

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Katie Rose Studio

    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 STEMWhat goes into live painting during a wedding dayThe value of creating heirloom artwork in real timeHow live art enhances the guest experienceTurning a creative passion into a meaningful businessWhether 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 🎧 Subscribe & don’t miss an episode

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Katie Rose Studio
  7. May 4

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with MM Photography

    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 photographerThe time, energy, & preparation that go into doing it wellWhy connection & trust between photographer & client matterCreating a relaxed, enjoyable experience in high-pressure momentsBalancing business, growth, & family lifeWhether 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 🎧 Subscribe & don’t miss an episode

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with MM Photography
  8. Apr 20

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The French Potager

    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 & intuitionThe inspiration behind The French Potager & its ever-evolving conceptWhy bespoke floral design creates a more meaningful client experienceWhat it takes to deliver high-touch, white-glove service for weddings & eventsHow environment, artistry, & intention come together to create joy-filled spacesWhether 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 Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don’t miss an episode 🎧

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The French Potager
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Hitch List Podcast, where weddings & events get real. I’m Abbi, your host, & after more than a decade planning weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, & everything in between, I’ve collected more stories than I ever expected, & I’m excited to share them with you. I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes. We’ll talk about the emotional moments, the late-night chaos, the vendor curveballs, the timelines that go off the rails, & the small mishaps that somehow turn into unforgettable memories. And it’s not just me... I’ll be sitting down with wedding & event professionals from every corner of the industry. Caterers, photographers, planners, florists, DJs, venues, décor pros... you name it! They’ll share their unfiltered experiences, best advice, & the wild stories they’ve collected along the way. Whether you’re planning an event, working in the industry, or just love a good behind-the-scenes peek, you’ll get real talk, practical tips, & plenty of laughs. All from people who’ve lived it. So grab your coffee (or champagne) & let’s dive into the crazy, beautiful, unpredictable world of weddings & events… together!