Meet Joshua Pelling (aka DJ Luminary)

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joshua Pelling (aka DJ Luminary). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Joshua, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
While I could go on and on about my upbringing and how I’ve had to overcome adversity and challenges in my personal life and throughout my military career, for me it’s much more simple than that. As a provider of Entertainment and services for Weddings, and Events, I draw an enormous sense of purpose based on my Clients needs. For example, Corporate Clients often have clear cut goals; normally to achieve a specific number of leads, a target fundraising or financial goal. This makes it easy to define our purpose, as our number one priority is to help our Client’s to achieve their goals. When it comes to Weddings, our Couple’s normally have a clear vision of what they want to achieve, normally that consists of a romantic Ceremony, and a Reception that feels like a party, brings the fun, and engages guests. There is no greater purpose for us then helping our Client’s achieve their goals, and through the planning process, we carefully identify these goals, and the steps needed to manifest them into reality.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Joshua Pelling aka DJ Luminary, Owner and Operator of Love & Light Entertainment. We specialize in creating unforgettable moments that bring joy and happiness to our clients and their guests. As a veteran-owned business based in the DMV area, we offer a wide range of services including DJs, MCs, Day Of Coordinators, Civil Celebrants, and MirrorBbooths (Photobooths). Our primary service areas include Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Fauquier County.

The Inspiration Behind Love & Light Entertainment
My journey in the entertainment industry began in 2012 as an independent DJ. However, it was my Wife, who inspired and encouraged me to expand and create something bigger. In 2018, she came up with the name “Love & Light Entertainment,” which we feel perfectly encapsulates the passion and joy we bring to every event. Our mission is to #ShareLoveAndLight, not just in the DMV area but ultimately worldwide.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes us unique is our tech-forward approach and the variety of in-house services we offer. We provide our clients with state-of-the-art services and enhancements that elevate any wedding or event. For instance, our proprietary Guestbook Hotline is an interactive guest experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Recent Expansions
We’ve recently expanded our service offerings to include Partial Planning and Day Of Coordination services. We also now have Civil Celebrants to officiate ceremonies, making us a one-stop-shop for all your wedding and event needs.

Future Goals
Our future goals include reaching new clients, expanding our service area, and continually adding more in-house services. We aim to be the go-to solution for anyone looking to make their event truly special.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Key Factors: Attention to Detail, Adaptability, and Empathy

Military Discipline for Detailed Planning
One of the most impactful skills I’ve brought to Love & Light Entertainment is the discipline I gained from my time in Active Duty with the US Army. This military experience has been invaluable in several ways. First, it taught me the importance of attention to detail, which is crucial in event planning. We go beyond having just a Plan B; we prepare multiple backup plans to ensure that we can handle any challenges that arise.

Quick Adaptability for Unforeseen Challenges
Another skill that has proven to be essential is the ability to adapt quickly and make decisive changes. In the military, you learn to pivot swiftly when unforeseen challenges occur, and this skill is just as crucial in the event industry. Whether it’s last-minute changes to the timeline or unexpected issues like a cake table missing essential items, we’ve learned to adapt on the fly. For example, at a recent wedding, we noticed the cake table was missing a plate, knife, forks, and napkins. We were able to quickly gather these items, ensuring the cake cutting proceeded without a hitch.

Empathy for Client-Centric Solutions
Lastly, empathy has been a guiding principle in our interactions with clients. Planning an event can be stressful, and we understand the pressures our clients are under. This empathy allows us to anticipate their needs and offer proactive solutions. It gives us a sense of purpose and helps us navigate stress points in meaningful ways, ultimately providing a smoother experience for our clients.

Advice for Newcomers

For those early in their journey in the event industry, my advice is multi-faceted:

Learn Your Craft Thoroughly: Invest time in mastering your field. Learn from multiple sources and apply what works for you.

Be Open to Experimentation: Don’t shy away from trying new things. You won’t know what works best until you experiment.

Stay Humble and Keep Learning: The industry is ever-evolving, and so should you. Always be willing to learn and adapt.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
In addition to my incredible team, the unwavering support from my Wife and our Son has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and fueling my professional growth. They’ve taught me invaluable life lessons: the importance of patience, the necessity of continuous learning and practice, and the significance of setting and adhering to goals. Their encouragement and support are the bedrock upon which the success of Love & Light Entertainment is built. Without them, none of our achievements would be possible.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Still Blessing Photographer [email protected] Sammy Tobler Kaitlyn Phipps Photography www.kaitlynphippsphotography.com

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