Connect
To Top

Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Corey Peterson of St Augustine

Corey Peterson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Corey, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
The biggest misconception about COS Celebrations is that all wedding entertainment companies are the same – that we just show up, play music, and get people dancing. People assume we’re interchangeable with any other DJ service.
The reality is completely different. What most people think is our main job – the dance set and getting people moving – that’s actually the easiest part and the very last piece of a much longer, more thoughtful process. Anyone can press play on a playlist, but what happens before that moment is where we truly shine.
At COS Celebrations, we remove all the ego from the equation. This isn’t about us performing or showing off – it’s entirely about the couple and their vision for their special day. We invest deeply in understanding who they are, what their story is, and how we can enhance their celebration in the most tasteful, non-intrusive way possible.
Our real focus is on three things: exceptional customer service, genuine inspiration, and being a classy, non-gimmicky MC who elevates the experience without becoming the center of attention. We’re not there to steal the spotlight – we’re there to make sure it shines perfectly on the couple.
When people realize we’re not just another DJ who shows up with a playlist, but rather a trusted partner who’s genuinely invested in making their day perfect through thoughtful service and tasteful execution – that’s when they understand the COS Celebrations difference. We don’t just provide entertainment; we provide peace of mind and an elevated experience that reflects the couple’s unique love story.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Corey Peterson, and I’m the owner and founder of COS Celebrations. We’re a top-rated entertainment company serving North and Central Florida, specializing in making wedding dreams come true.
What sets us apart is our core philosophy – we take all the ego out of the equation. Our motto is simple: “It’s not about us, it’s YOUR event.” Everything we do is centered around the couple and their vision for their special day.
I absolutely love what I do because I get to help people’s fairytale days come true. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a couple’s face light up when everything comes together perfectly, knowing that we played a part in creating those magical moments they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
At COS Celebrations, we’re not just providing entertainment – we’re helping create the backdrop for one of the most important days in people’s lives, and that responsibility is something I take very seriously and feel incredibly passionate about.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I’m not sure if it’s my earliest, but there’s one moment that still stands out vividly. I was at an establishment when two guys started fighting – fists were literally flying. Without really thinking, I walked right into the middle of it with my saxophone in hand, gave them both a look, stood between them, and just started playing.
Something remarkable happened. They both stopped fighting. The music cut through the anger and tension in a way that words never could have. What’s even more incredible is that these two guys who were ready to hurt each other moments before ended up sharing a drink and having a good conversation together.
Looking back, I realize it wasn’t really me that was powerful in that moment – it was the music. That experience taught me something fundamental about what I do now: music has this incredible ability to change the energy of a room, to bring people together, and to create moments of connection even in the most unlikely circumstances. That’s the power I try to harness at every wedding we do – using music not just as entertainment, but as a force that brings people together and creates unforgettable moments.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace the adventure and have fun with life. Don’t hold back from new experiences or play it too safe – some of the best moments come from taking chances and saying yes to the unexpected.
I’d also remind him to treat the people around you well. The relationships you build and the kindness you show matter more than any achievement or accolade. People remember how you made them feel.
And most importantly, I’d say: don’t be afraid to fail at something. Failure isn’t the opposite of success – it’s part of the journey. Always fail forward. Every mistake, every setback, every moment that doesn’t go as planned is just teaching you something valuable for the next time. The only real failure is not trying at all.
Those lessons have shaped not just who I am, but how I run COS Celebrations – we’re always willing to try new things, we treat every client with genuine care and respect, and we’re constantly learning and improving from every event we do.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
One of my blind faiths is the law of attraction – if you put out good into the world, good returns to you. The same goes for negativity.
Now, I can’t scientifically prove this is how the universe works, but what I do know is that believing in it creates something real. When you commit to putting out positive energy and treating people well, you naturally become a better person. It’s not about keeping score or expecting something in return – it’s about constantly striving to be a better version of yourself today than you were yesterday.
Maybe the law of attraction is real in some cosmic sense, or maybe it just shapes who you become through your daily choices and actions. Either way, the result is the same: you end up living with more intention, more kindness, and more purpose. And in my experience, when you show up that way in the world, good things do tend to follow – whether that’s the universe responding or just the natural outcome of being someone people want to work with and be around.
That belief drives everything I do at COS Celebrations. We show up with positive energy, we treat every couple and every vendor with genuine respect and kindness, and we believe that excellence and good intentions create their own momentum.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely what I was born to do. Without a doubt.
People tell me almost daily that it feels like I’ve found my thing, and they love watching us shine. That kind of feedback isn’t something you can fake or manufacture – it comes from doing work that genuinely lights you up from the inside.
This is such an amazing industry to be in because I get to give someone my all and make their day as close to perfect as possible – but here’s the key – it’s THEIR vision, not mine. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking what’s in a couple’s heart and mind and helping bring it to life. When you’re doing what you were born to do, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like purpose.
Every wedding is different, every couple is unique, and I never get tired of the challenge of understanding what matters most to them and delivering an experience that exceeds their expectations. That passion, that drive to make people’s dreams come true – you can’t teach that. It’s either in you or it isn’t. And I’m grateful every day that I found a way to turn that into what I do for a living.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Bow Tie Photo

Suggest a Story: VoyageJacksonville is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories