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. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The Grand Sofia

    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

    1h 11m
  2. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Dolce Bakeshop

    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

    1h 35m
  3. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Katie Rose Studio

    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

    59 min
  4. The Hitch List Podcast | MM Photography

    May 4

    The Hitch List Podcast | 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

    1h 18m
  5. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with The French Potager

    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 🎧

    1h 48m
  6. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Divine Design Co.

    Apr 6

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Divine Design Co.

    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 CoWhat wedding content creation actually is, & how it differs from traditional mediaThe value of having real-time memories delivered within 24 hoursHow content creators collaborate with vendor teams behind the scenesCommon misconceptions about wedding content creation & how couples can decide if it’s right for themTips for maximizing your wedding weekend content without feeling glued to your phoneWhether 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 Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don’t miss an episode 🎧

    50 min
  7. The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Kegs Wedding Films

    Mar 16

    The Hitch List Podcast | Interview with Kegs Wedding Films

    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 ethicWhy vendor communication can make or break a wedding timelinePractical ways they reduce stress for couples before & during the big dayHow to remain present as a vendor, not just a videographerWhy professionalism & emotional intelligence matter just as much as creativityIf 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 Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don’t miss an episode 🎧

    1h 45m
  8. The Hitch List Podcast | Cooking with Whitney, LLC

    Mar 2

    The Hitch List Podcast | Cooking with Whitney, LLC

    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 aboutThe role food plays in bringing comfort, connection, & healingBuilding a business from a place of purpose rather than pressureThe emotional side of hospitality that often goes unseenLessons learned through hardship & how they translated into entrepreneurshipAdvice for creatives building something meaningful in the midst of life’s challengesWhether 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 Hit subscribe & follow along on all major platforms so you don’t miss an episode 🎧

    1h 27m
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!