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This week’s topics: wedding DJ tips, wedding MC responsibilities, reception energy planning, dance floor engagement strategies, hiring a wedding DJ, entertainment budget value, vendor collaboration for timelines, wedding music planning, guest experience design, choosing wedding entertainment
In this episode of Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich, CEO of Iron Diamond Media, and co-host Alexis Sanabria, Publisher of Washington Wedding Day, sit down with Joshua Fields, owner of Washington-based entertainment company Music by J. Fields, to explore the artistry behind wedding DJ and MC services. Recorded in downtown Seattle, the conversation highlights Fields’ philosophy of crafting meaningful, high-energy celebrations where music, storytelling and crowd awareness intersect. Describing himself as the “architect of the dance floor,” Fields frames wedding entertainment as a collaborative experience between vendor, couple and guests—one built through intention and adaptability.
Fields shares his journey into the industry, spanning nearly two decades and beginning with personal passion rather than formal training. Early experimentation with digital music libraries and mentorship from a local DJ helped spark his interest, while corporate work funded his first equipment investment. His introduction to weddings came through videography, where he observed firsthand how music elevated emotional storytelling and shaped guest perception. That experience ultimately led him to pursue DJing full-time, drawn by the opportunity to influence the atmosphere in real time rather than in post-production.
Central to Fields’ approach is his belief that music serves as a conduit for memory and emotion. He explains how carefully curated song selections can reconnect guests with personal moments, shaping the collective energy of the celebration. His consultation process reflects this philosophy, beginning not with playlists but with conversation—often asking couples to share their engagement story. These insights help him gauge personality, tone and expectations, informing how he designs the musical arc of the event and builds connection before the wedding day even begins.
The discussion also dives into practical strategies for maximizing dance floor engagement. Fields outlines several key considerations that influence participation, including guest list composition, environmental factors and the importance of couple involvement. He emphasizes that couples set the tone for their reception—when they remain present and engaged, guests are more likely to follow. Collaboration with wedding planners, photographers and other vendors is also essential to maintaining momentum, ensuring timelines and transitions support rather than interrupt the celebratory flow.
Beyond music, Fields highlights the impact of his role as an emcee, crediting his comfort on the microphone to early public speaking experiences and family influence. He describes the position as one that balances leadership and emotional intelligence—guiding guests, managing expectations and creating inclusive energy throughout the event. By addressing unexpected changes with humor or transparency, he aims to normalize imperfections while preserving the experience. This perspective reinforces the importance of authenticity in vendor-client relationships and the value of communication rooted in clarity and empathy.
Closing the conversation, Fields reflects on business growth and the importance of connection in booking decisions, noting that couples often prioritize trust and rapport over cost alone. He underscores the lasting impression entertainment leaves long after décor and dining conclude, positioning the DJ as a central contributor to guest experience and memory-making. Through insights grounded in both creativity and professionalism, the episode offers listeners a thoughtful look at how intentional entertainment design can transform a wedding celebration into something enduring and personal.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, Grand Hyatt Seattle and Music by J. Fields.
Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
