Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Pelling.
Hi Joshua, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After finishing my four year Army career in 2012, my Army Recruiter started a DJ entertainment company and asked if I wanted to give it a try. I had been into music my entire life and had produced, recorded, mixed, and been involved with music in different capacities, so DJing for me seemed like a natural progression. I acquired some basic DJ gear and got started DJing in bars, clubs, and at various private parties and events. Pretty soon, I began DJing Weddings, and it just felt right. There is something magical about providing Entertainment and directing guests on one of the biggest days of a couple’s lives. I moved to the DMV area in 2015 and began booking Weddings and events here as an independent DJ, but realized it was time to take it to the next level. After a few years of preparation, and with my Wife’s help and support, we launched Love & Light Entertainment in late 2018. The first year went really well, and we’ve been able to secure some incredible Clients, from Charities like the National Kidney Foundation to tech companies and dozens of amazing newlywed couples. We were on track for a solid 2020 until the COVID19 pandemic happened. Of course, like many event-based businesses, it took a huge toll on us. Fortunately, things are beginning to pick up, and we are seeing an increase in bookings that should make for a great 2021 and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles of the business is simply being a smaller operation. Oftentimes, I am the person who handles the majority of the work, from branding to sales to marketing to actually DJing and MCing the events. This has been a bonus in that I have had creative control over it all, but it was a struggle to keep up. I have since found tools and automation to assist me with much of the process, and our industry leading Client Portal keeps not only our tasks and communication organized but also provides our clients with tools to easily handle planning and coordination as well. Probably the biggest struggle, however, has been sourcing great local talent, mainly DJs and MCs. The problem tends to be that the good DJs are usually already established in their business and aren’t looking for more work. The thing is, there are only 52 weekends in a year, most Weddings occur on Saturdays. Therefore, it can be difficult to find talented DJs who can also act as a proper master of ceremonies that aren’t booked up already. Some of the top DJs in the area tend also to be set in their ways a bit and aren’t always willing to adjust to meet the standards and policies of a formal company, opting to do things their way instead. We are always looking for new talent as well, but many up and coming DJs lack either equipment, transportation, or skills, which can be quite burdensome, especially during a busy season.
We’ve been impressed with Love & Light Entertainment, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a Veteran Owned and Operated Wedding & Event Entertainment company specializing in DJ’s, MC’s, Sound, Lighting, Mirror Photobooth & Planning services in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and The District of Columbia.
What sets us apart from the competition is our attention to detail and dedication to each and every client. We provide each and every client with access to our industry leading Portal, full of powerful planning tools including a Timeline Builder, Music Request System, and even a Guest Request system that provides guests a link to submit song requests ahead of the event. Beyond the planning tools, however, we set aside time for each of our Clients, and not through 1 or 2 allotted meetings. We frequently meet with our clients and reach out periodically to help them each step of the planning process.
We take great pride in our ability to customize events to whatever the theme might be. For Weddings, that may be as simple as aligning the right music throughout the entire day or by adjusting uplighting colors for moods that change with each event. For Corporate Events, we can project a company’s logo in bright light on any wall to highlight the brand. Our Mirror Photobooth is also the perfect tool for a themed experience. Not only will the full-size mirror garner attention as it comes to life with custom video animations, the prints can be customized, and guests can even add emojis, custom stickers, or write a message. The Mirror Photobooth can also capture phone numbers and email addresses for future marketing or can be used to present custom surveys to guests.
Our mission is to Share Love & Light to our clients and in our communities through safe, high-quality service, with punctuality, personalized attention, compassion, and fun! We aim to do that by providing premium, themed or customized services, all centered around the Client and Guest experience.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Baltimore and the DMV region is the rich diversity. Seeing people and places of all cultures is such a beautiful thing to witness and experience, especially in such troubled times. It is through this diversity that the region really shines as such a beacon of hope and optimism, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a member of the DMV community.
Pricing:
- We’re offering 15% off any Package for Voyage Baltimore Readers: Simply enter promo code VOYAGE in the Instant Quote Generator at www.LoveandLightEnt.com/Pricing
Contact Info:
- Email: admin@loveandlightent.com
- Website: www.LoveAndLightEnt.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/LoveAndLightEnt
- Facebook: Facebook.com/LoveAndLightEnt
- Twitter: Twitter.com/LoveAndLightEnt
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-and-light-entertainment-sterling
Image Credits
Mr and Mrs Dogum courtesy of Luckita Pelling of Love and Light Entertainment
