Community Highlights: Meet Heather Archdeacon-Williams of Defining Moments Special Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Archdeacon-Williams.

Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As born & raised Southern girl from Atlanta, I developed an interest in parties and celebrations as a teenager, after finding the work of Martha Stewart (Weddings & Living) and Rachel Ashwell (Shabby Chic). But at the time, it never seemed like I could find a way to become a “professional party plan” for a living. My best friend actually used to joke with me about this.

During my final semesters at Florida State University, I had the opportunity to spend my full senior year as an Entertainment, and then Guest Relations cast member at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. From my first day in training at “Disney Traditions,” I was enamored by the foundations of their world-renowned hospitality program, and the fact that I was going to become a cast member, bringing celebrations, joy, happiness and “magic” to guests of all ages. I was lucky enough to be immersed into a culture of VIP guest service (for everyone), to seamless operations to the smallest details that sometimes matter the most. Creating “magical moments” for guests on a daily basis was a true gift, and a passion for personal, curated and memorable events was sparked within me. I truly feel so honored to have begun my career with Disney, as it allowed me to train with one of the best, and really helped to shape my professionalism and work ethic moving forward.

Upon graduation, I worked for 2.5 years in the fine arts arena of live performance & special events, working in ticketing, house management & events for the FSU Fine Arts Department, alongside many of the performing arts organizations in the city of Tallahassee. It was then that I took a huge leap of faith and accepted a position with Seaside, FL on the Gulf Coast of 30A. As the Director of Weddings & Special Events for the town of Seaside, I was fulfilling my childhood dream of wedding & special event planning at one of the most charming & idyllic destination wedding venues in the South. During my 7-year tenure, I had the honor of marrying hundreds of couples, as well as planning & executing family reunions, corporate meetings & events and commercial photo shoots, all while managing the multiple venue spaces for the town. But after 7-years, my ultimate dream was to own my own business and expand my offerings to all of the private communities of 30A. With a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and the guidance of an amazing General Manager (and mentor) from my time at Seaside, Defining Moments Special Events launched in the spring of 2012. For 9 wonderful years, I had the opportunity to plan, design and execute hundreds of weddings in some of the most beautiful locations, like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor & WaterSound, along with an amazing team and vendor network.

In the summer of 2021, my husband and I relocated to the Roswell area of metro-Atlanta. After working in the corporate sector of special events for 3.5 years, I made a major life decision to reopen. It felt like I still had so much to offer and achieve. In a very coincidental twist of fate, Defining Moments Special Events relaunched in Spring 2025, on the anniversary of my initial opening in 2012. In additional to wedding planning & coordination, we also specialize in corporate & social special event planning, as well as inclusive intimate event design packages.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
From my experience, small business ownership is never an easy road. But, it is one of the most rewarding ones that I have ever traveled.

For me, the professional aspect of my career has been a pretty smooth one. But this has definitely come with a lot of hard work, training, dedication and at times, sacrifice. In an industry and profession that operates 7 days a week, 365 days a year and nights, weekends and holidays, I have had to put my business ahead of other things. This can sometimes be challenging for me personally, and hard for others to understand at times. But my determination and work ethic has carried me through, to help look at long-term success (both professionally & personally). And I am so lucky to have the support of my husband of 20-years (Marc), there for me continuously along the way.

We’ve been impressed with Defining Moments Special Events, 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?
I believe that life is a collection of moments, both large and small, which help to define who each of us are. These moments are meant to be celebrated & shared with family, friends & loved ones, to create lasting memories for years to come. They are stories that will be shared around a dining table, hung on the walls in frames & passed down to future generations. These “defining moments” are special, significant & poignant, and I am honored to play a small role in helping create them.

It is very rare that you find a profession that allows you to flex both sides of your brain. I tend to come from a very “Type A” personality, that thrives on details, timelines, problem-solving and logistics. It truly makes me good at what I do. But, there is a strong creative side of me too, that loves to play, explore, design and create. And I get to do all of these thing simultaneously. I love the fact that every day of job can be different & challenging, while also be personal & meaningful. And most importantly, I love the aspect of creating relationships with couples, families and clients, to bring their visions to life.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Dedication & work ethic…no question!

My father passed when I was young, in college at 19-years old. He was in radio broadcasting from the time he was 15 until the morning of his passing at 53 years old. Although the hours were long, the sacrifices sometimes great and at times, just a difficult industry to navigate, he truly LOVED what he did. It is one of the things I remember most, and the silent presence that has always led me in my career.

From an early age, I was exposed to radio production (on & off-air) and all that goes with it. My father was a force in the industry and always teaching, guiding and learning, while having one of the strongest work ethics that I have ever witnessed. I absorbed this early on and looked up to it tremendously. When I began my professional career, I always wanted to channel this same sort of dedication. That is why, when I do something, I do it whole-heartedly. I am not just in it for the success & glory, but the hard work that goes along with it. My father helped teach me this and instill these values in me. And it’s one of the most important lasting gifts that he could have given me.

When I am gone, I hope that people can look back on me in the same way…that I was strong, driven and had an undeniable passion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dmspecialevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmspecialevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefiningMomentsWeddings
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-archdeacon-williams-a66a22b/

Image Credits
Aislinn Kate Photography
Ti Adoro Studios
Amanda Suanne Photography
MELT Atlanta
Katya Vilchyk Photography