Derald studied telecommunications with a focus on video production at Ball State University, where he also DJed for his fraternity, Sigma Nu. In 2017, he landed a life-changing DJ internship that ignited his love for DJing weddings and events. His journey also included a role as a photojournalist, where he received an Emmy Award nomination for a series on bus stop safety that led to legislative improvements.

Derald prides himself on turning visions into reality through sight and sound. Growing up in Elkhart, Indiana, he developed a passion for storytelling through video and music, earning the nickname “Video Guy” while creating YouTube shorts with his siblings.

Those experiences fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, prompting him to launch DG Visionaries, which has quickly become a sought-after vendor in the Midwest wedding industry. DGV expanded from 16 weddings in 2020 to over 60 in 2024, while also producing commercials, documentaries, and corporate livestreams.

Visionary Planning grew out of DG Visionaries to provide specialized wedding and event planning services that perfectly complement our renowned DJ and video production expertise. Our goal is to be your one-stop shop for planning and entertainment, making it easier than ever to bring your vision to life with precision, creativity, and a seamless experience.

Beyond his work, Derald is deeply committed to community development, actively participating in organizations that foster positive change in his hometown. When he’s not capturing moments or creating exceptional experiences, he enjoys working out, spending time with family and friends, and listening to a good audiobook.