Saturday, November 23, 2013

Sierra and Robert FALL In Love!

Sierra and Robert chose Huntington Beach for their Fall 2013 ceremony and reception. 
For the outside ceremony we provided a dedicated sound system and wireless mic. The romantic Theme From Joe Black ("Whisper Of A Thrill") played as the wedding party appeared. Sierra chose The The O'Neill Brothers beautiful version of "Here Comes The Bride" for her walk.


Inside the reception room, we accented Sierra's Autumn colors with amber uplighting and had our JBL premium sound system in place. After a high energy entrance, toasts and a wonderful meal, "The Very Thought Of You" by Albert King initiated the first dance by the newlyweds.


Other party favorites included Santana, The Beatles  and "Feel This Moment" by Christina Aguilera.



The Wedding DJ sends special thanks to Rev. Bruce Danzara and the staff at Old Ranch Country Club.

Here's To Another Great Beginning!


The Wedding DJ

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Curse Of The Cheap DJ

If there's one thing that angers me, it's members of my own profession acting unethically, sullying the reputation of the Mobile DJ as flakey and undependable. Case in point, the enclosed message I got today from another DJ (let's call him DJ Flake) seeking someone to cover a wedding reception that is just SIX days from now. 

DJ Flake is offering to pay 300.00 for six hours of coverage for a wedding at which he promised to perform. This is an amount that no Pro DJ I know of would accept for such a gig. This leaves only the desperate, the untrained or the foolish available to perform for this event. So I doubt the Bride is going to be happy with DJ Flake's replacement. She is probably already stressed that DJ Flake cancelled on her at the last minute and is sending a yet unknown back up. 


I wish I could say this is an isolated incident but I've seen this movie countless times. DJ Flake gives no reason why he can't perform for the soon to be wedded couple and their guests. My money is on DJ Flake booking a much more lucrative gig that day. This happens more often than I'd like to admit *. An unethical DJ will offer a low price just to get something on the calendar. Then when a better offer comes along, he will take it and farm out the first gig to another DJ. Possibly someone he doesn't even know though he admittedly, "promised the client I would get them a good DJ". When DJ Flake's replacement does show up he is likely to be inexperienced, have low end equipment and be an unpolished Emcee.

And this is the risk people take when they hire a cheapo DJ for their wedding or other important occasion. My instincts tell me DJ Flake is getting more than 300.00 but is taking his cut. Plus, he'll probably be DJing that day for someone willing to pay him more than the first client.

I think this bride is now wishing she had spent a bit more on her DJ and gotten a professional who takes pride in his livelihood. And this is why DJs should charge what they are worth in the first place. It's unfortunate that there are unscrupulous people in all professions. You would probably be suspicious of a discount brain surgeon or a car dealer advertising a "cream puff" Mercedes Benz for just 500.00. Use the same discrimination when hiring your DJ and have a worry free celebration! 

* Online ad services like Thumbtack.com, Craigslist and Gigmasters may be havens for this kind of activity.



The Wedding DJ

Monday, July 22, 2013

New Father Daughter Dance Songs



This soon could be the new GO TO Father Daughter Dance song for weddings in 2013 and beyond!

Tear Jerk Alert!!!
 
"Daddy Dance With Me" by Krystal Keith    

Download it free here: http://specials.people.com/countryplaylist/



Lyrics:

I know what you see when you look at me
As we walk down the aisle
Little pink tutu, bows and tennis shoes
In the wide eyes of your child
Those are all the memories you will cherish and you'll carry
No matter how much time has come and gone

Daddy dance with me
I want you to see the woman I've become.
Daddy don't let go
I want you to know I'll always need your love.
Today I became his wife
But I'll be your baby girl for life.

Don't know what to do when I look at you
Words can't say enough
What you've done for me
You gave me what I need
You were tender, you were tough
Cause the world you built around me is the strength that will surround me
And protect me now that I am on my own

Daddy dance with me
I want you to see the woman I've become.
Daddy don't let go
I want you to know I'll always need your love.
Today I became his wife
But I'll be your baby girl

You game me faith, you gave me life
You trusted me to live it right
And now you give your blessing on his love and mine.

Daddy dance with me
I want you to know I'll always need your love.
Today I became his wife
But I'll be your baby girl for life.




See more unique Unique Father/Daughter, Mother Son/Songs here: http://djcraig.net/fatherdaughter.html


The Wedding DJ

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Wedding DJ In Newport Beach


Kathy and Alex chose the Hyatt Newport Beach for their Summer 2013 ceremony and reception. DJ Craig provided sound for both along with uplighting, table pinspots, dance floor lighting and video projection.


The wedding party danced their way across the floor as they were introduced. "Levels" by Avici filled the room as the Newlyweds made their grand entrance. We then segued into their first dance, "Marry Me" by Train .


When dinner was finished, the party began. DJ Craig invited the guests out to the dance floor for traditional Greek dancing as well as a mix of Top 40. Party favorites included "This Is How We Do It"-    Montell Jordan, "Jump On It"-    Sir Mix-A-Lot and the Guilty Pleasure of "Ice Ice Baby"-    Vanilla Ice!



                                                  "Opah!"

Here's to another great beginning!

The Wedding DJ

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Orange County Wedding DJ in Laguna Beach



Dena & David chose Laguna Beach as their Spring 2013 ceremony and reception site. It helps that they had close friends who agreed to let them use their ocean view residence for the actual ceremony!


From our digital sound system the guests enjoyed "Rain" by Tamela Mann as the Wedding Party took their places. "Here And Now" by Luther Vandross rang out as Dena made her way down the aisle towards an anxious Groom. We provided a Shure wireless lapel mic for the clergy. When the nuptials were over, we played "Ribbon In The Sky" by Jamelody as the Newlyweds walked together back down the aisle to a rousing ovation...


Dena and David's reception took place at Laguna Beach's acclaimed French restaurant, C'est La Vie. After a toast and First Dance, guests partied to a mix of music including The Beatles, The Black Eyed Peas, Taio Cruz and Michael Jackson. No doubt, our JBL sound system helped propel the dancing as the guests shook their bootys til the end.




Here's To Another Great Beginning!




Orange County Wedding DJ

Friday, March 8, 2013

Don't just enter- MAKE an entrance!

 Wedding Day Tip: Don't just enter- MAKE an entrance!


Your formal introduction will only happen once- make it count!


The difference may be subtle but it is critical. If you just walk in when you are announced, you didn't really make an entrance. You've got to PAUSE at some point and acknowledge your guests. You can do this simply by stopping, standing and smiling for a  few seconds. Your guests want that visual feedback that you are feeling their love, applause and admiration.

Think about what happens on TV talk shows. Let's say Jay Leno introduces his guest, Reese Witherspoon. If she walked out and simply sat down to the applause it would be anticlimactic. But when she stops for a second, makes eye contact and waves to acknowledge the audience, it becomes a more meaningful exchange of emotion. The audience becomes more engaged and usually responds by getting even louder.

It works the same way at your wedding. You may be nervous and your tendency might be to to rush through this formality and get it over with. Resist this temptation! Plan in advance where you will stop for a few seconds. Try to pick the best FOCAL point in the room- the spot where most everyone can see you. Stop, smile and make some eye contact- enjoy this brief moment and relish it! For the more adventurous, a spin across the floor or romantic dip might work. Keep it simple and enjoy your day.


The Wedding DJ