A Wedding Story
"It could be yours"
(An Entertainers Perspective)
Congratulations on your engagement. I understand there are many things on your mind right now, and entertainment for your reception is probably one of them. That is why you are here, we'll thank you for finding me. From this point in time, I consider you a friend, and I am committed to giving you all of my expertise (insert smiley face here). I also feel it is my job to guide you as to what I have seen work very well in planning a wedding reception. let's start at the very beginning.
- I'm available on your wedding date.
- You received the booking contract, either from mail or the web.
- The signed contract and deposit are returned to me.
- You completed the planning form or as much as you could, and sent it back to me.
- You invited your friends to your private client area on my web site, to help choose the music.
We have spoken on the phone many times. A few emails and we have met as often as you need to nail down every little detail. Every aspect is documented and given to you, the venue and your coordinator. If you have changes, not a problem, you can make them online, or just give me a call. Now that I have all this wonderful information I have a great idea as to what kind of wedding and reception you desire. For this synopsis, I will use a typical wedding day that I know works very well, and describe it so you may get a feel of how your special day could be.
Meeting the Bridal Party and Family
By this time you are very comfortable with how the plans are going, and you have a big smile. And with an invitation from you it is very possible for me to join you at your rehearsal. This is a great opportunity for me to meet your coordinator, venue host, wedding party and family. This works very well for me as I can learn the names of the bridal party, scope out the venue and my setup area. I can find and test the power, breakers and light switches. Just so there are no surprises on your big day. Again mentioning the bridal party. Some people just have big personalities, you know this. look at your wedding party. Who does this remind you of? So for the time of the GRAND ENTRANCE, I can introduce the party members with a little extra flare (that they desire). You know what I mean. This makes for a very personal evening. I can go over the timeline and details with the coordinator, so your day is perfect. Let me get back on track.
At the Rehearsal
At your rehearsal, you need music so you know when to walk down the aisle (just for practice right now) Don't get teary eyed on me. I will bring a small P.A. system so the bridal party may practice with the music that they will be marching to (that is if the venue does not have a P.A.). Da da Ta DA! So by the end of the rehearsal, everyone will know where to stand, sit, march from, with whom, the timing and all that! You may not have noticed but I have a camera around my neck, and maybe, just maybe a high definition video camera hidden in the bushes. SHhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone! It is not uncommon for me to take many photos and video footage at your rehearsal and reception. I'll get back to this later.
Your Rehearsal Dinner
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You and the groom are so very gracious to invite me to the rehearsal dinner. Thank you very much. Trust me, I'm not there just to eat, even though I've never had a bad meal at a rehearsal dinner, and I am looking forward to the meal. I am there to entertain, after all that's what I do. So whether we are at a restaurant, back yard or wherever the dinner may be, I can provide background dinner music, perfect for your guests while they enjoy this very happy time. Wait, that's not all. Speeches, there are usually speeches at the rehearsal dinner. The blessing of the meal. A big thank you from you and the groom, to your guests, and handing out gifts. You need a microphone! Don't worry, it's there.
With a wireless microphone! As everyone has had their meals for a period of time, I kindly interrupt.
"Ladies and Gentlemen,... for your entertainment"........"Prepared by the Bride and Groom for their very special guests" (as I point to your guests)!......"This evening we present to you a very special presentation entitled John, Mary and friends". (insert your name within)
Can you hear the crowd clap? Your guests did not have a clue that we spent much time preparing a DVD motion picture using still photos, video and great sound tracts, featuring you and your friends. And it may even include some pictures of the bachelor and bachelorette parties. No worries, I am very good at editing questionable media. As everyone's eyes turn to the huge projection screen, I cue the show and fade the background music to zero. The show starts and the audio volume increases slightly to an exciting and enjoyable level. Just enough to hear the show over the laughter coming from your friends and family. Wow! What a great ten minutes. And no one knows that I'm taking more pictures. You may see me talking to your guests in a very secretive manor. Pay no attention to this, as It's a surprise meant for your wedding reception. Your guest are saying, what a great evening they are having. At the end of the evening I thank you very much for having me at your rehearsal dinner, I had a great time, but know I need to get a good night's sleep. We have a big day tomorrow!
I'll get plenty of sleep, later! For now I still have work to do. Whether I rush home or head back to the hotel ( for those out of town weddings) I have much to do. Remember all those picture flashes you barely noticed, and the super secretive conversations I was having with the bridal party and family? We'll, all I can tell you is it's a gift from your friends and family, and I will be spending several hours working on it. I can't tell you anymore (big smile on my face).
Your Wedding Day
Wow! I'm excited! We have a wedding today. Don't worry about me. You enjoy every minute of your wedding day with all you haft to do. All that planning and communication between us, I know what I need to do. I got it covered.
The Set up
Early in the day, with the trailer loaded with everything I may need, I drive to the venue and start setting up for your big celebration. I have plenty of time to complete a sound check and make any adjustments for the best possible sound the room can have, long before any guests arrive. The reception hall looks grand. I introduce myself to the other vendors, and together we ensure every detail is covered. I program the up-lighting to light up the room exactly how you described it to me. The colors and mood are perfect.
The Ceremony
I see you peeking out, looking at the place where you are to stand and vow to the groom, your soon to be husband. I am putting the finishing touches on the P.A. system and ceremony music. Making sure the facilitator's microphone is tuned and the pianist and strings sound great.
Your guests will be arriving soon. I'll change into my tux, and start the music early. What a great group of people I see gathering. We'll, I'm not going to kid you, I'm a little anxious. In a matter of minutes you are getting married! The guests are comfortably seated as I play the prelude music for this elegant special occasion. There is no mistaking that everyone is excited to witness this. I seamlessly fade in the interlude, or adjust levels on the live music. The parents and bridal party are in their place. The Groom constantly looking in the direction he knows you'll be. And cue the march (I tell myself). Da da Ta Da! Right on cue, there you are, stunning and all dressed in white. And in an instant, all are standing. I know you don't realize right now, but the tissues and hankies are already moving around the room.
The facilitator and the vows are comfortably heard by all, thanks to the wireless microphones. And there is not a dry eye in the house. I may not have told you, but all the audio is being recorded and videotaped in high definition. I'll tell you more about that later. Congratulations! you are now pronounced husband and wife. Overwhelmed, you recognize that avowal. "You may kiss your bride"! As your seconds old husband leans into you, and your guests start to cheer. I fade-in the upbeat recessional music. Take your time on the kiss there is no hurry (a Kodak moment you know). As the crowd roars with excitement, I increase the volume just enough to compliment your united exit. After your down the aisle as husband and wife, If the ceremony facilitator does not invite your guests to the reception, I will graciously do so. I am so happy for you. I'll see you at the reception. Where are those tissues?
Your Reception
It may be picture time for you, but I have all your guests to care for. My assistant is already playing background music for your guests as they arrive to the reception. Whether you have a receiving line or just a cocktail hour, be assured that your guests are well cared for. Wow! And just think, the night has just begun. As I play music just for atmosphere, so as to not take away from all the great conversation and joy, I will be working on a very special surprise, for you. Time does fly when you're having fun.
Your Grand Entrance
It is time for your grand entrance, or I would say, to myself. "It's Show Time". The music we picked for the grand entrance is perfect for you. You're all lined up and I cue the music. (I'm glad I went to the rehearsal just so I can get the names just right, and with just the right amount of pizzazz)..............
"Let's give a big hand once again to the Bridal Party"........ "And now the moment we have all been waiting for".... "It is truly a pleasure to introduce and welcome".... "The newest of Husband and Wife"....... "Mr. and Ms. John and Mary Smith".
And the crowd goes wild! Do you feel it? I have goose bumps and it hasn't even happened yet. Go-on, mingle a little bit before dinner. I will let you know what is happening next.
Serving the Meal
Believe me, everyone is having a great time, and do not mind to be interrupted for dinner.
"I kindly ask you, to be seated as the wonderfully prepared meal is about to be served".
I bless the meal and thank everyone for attending. The head table is served first, and I excuse the other tables so everyone is served quickly. As you enjoy your meal, there is a special surprise for you and your husband. Yeah, It's still a secret. What I can tell you is it is a gift from your family and friends.
The Toasts
Your still teary eyed and choked up from the touching moments that just occurred, but the champaign is being served as the head table finishes their meal. And now it's time for a toast or two. The best man, with wireless microphone in hand, warms our heart with words of courage, wisdom and wishes. The maid of honor speaks from the heart with plenty of tears to share. I thank the maid of honor and best man and introduce you and your husband. Your husband thanks all who joined you today in this spectacular celebration. You are holding back tears still remembering your maid of honor's speech, and trying your hardest to keep it together, you give us words we will remember forever. And don't forget all the clink clink of the glasses.
The Photo Montage
While everyone is still drying their eyes from all the wonderful speeches, this is a perfect time time for the video presentation. The lights dim, and the guests are entertained with motion video of you and you husband as you grow up into beautiful adults. The meeting, dating, courting and engagement. Everything that led up to this wonderful day is shared with all your guests. Your family and friends later comment on how beautifully made the DVD movie presentation was, with all the special effects and editing, they are very impressed, and asks for a copy.
The Cutting of the Cake
It was a great meal and video presentation, that was shared with all. Now it's time to cut the cake. Everyone could not help to see how magnificent the cake looks. The special lighting under the table, glowing through the skirt and the spot lights illuminating it, so you could see it from across the room, I saw people staring at it all evening. Now they are thinking It's time for dessert.
" Ladies and Gentlemen, please join us for the time honored tradition of the cutting of the cake".... "I encourage you to grab your cameras, because as you know... This can be messy, This can be clean, It can be anything in-between".
The perfect song is playing in the background. Your friends and family gathered. You and your husband take the knife in hand, and you slice through that work of art. You say to yourself, "that went ok" Your husband then kindly offers it to you, as you offer to him................. Because we never know how this is going to turn out, I usually narrate this play by play, just to add excitement. It got messy, so go get cleaned up, it's time for a little game.
You may still have a little cake in your hair, but don't worry, you look amazing! We need to give the servers time to serve the cake and coffee to the guests. Sorry, but you are going to entertain us for a few minutes. Don't be nervous, it's painless. We are going to play "The Newlywed Game. Here is how it goes. Two chairs are placed back-to-back in the middle of the dance floor. You and your husband have a seat. Easy enough, right? Take your shoes off and trade one of them with your spouse. I know what you're thinking. Just make sure he puts on a clean pair socks, you'll be fine. So, you have your husband's shoe in your left hand and yours in the right. He has yours in his left hand and his in his right. Now the game can start. I am going to quickly ask you questions. For example, "Who is more likely to hog the bed?" You both raise the shoe that belongs to the one you feel that answers the question best. He may raise yours, you may raise his? Trust me, your guests will get a huge laugh from this. Be prepared, the questions are going to be asked faster and faster. Remember you are back-to-back and can't see what the other is answering. Fun for us at your expense. The cake was great and the entertainment priceless! Don't get to far. Many a young single ladies are waiting your next move.
The Bouquet Toss
Everyone's stomach still hurts from all the laughter, which just makes the next event that much more challenging.
"May I have your attention please!"......."It is time for another exciting event..... The tossing of the bouquet"........ "May I please have all the single ladies, gather on the dance floor."... "All the single ladies please"
I do need to warn you, that I have seen very proper and graceful ladies, go wild without warning. But, It's a chance we are going to take. Another Kodak moment, as you never know how this is to turn out. The music starts (and I narrate this as well).
" Are you ready ladies?"........" Get ready....."..........."The bouquet is in the air, and..............................?".
I thought we were going to need the first aid kit for that one :o That reminds me, I do provide a very complete first aid kit at every function. We will keep you on the dance floor. I'll keep it close for the next event.
The Garter Removal
And it's time to remove the garter. Many (of the men) say the garter removal and toss is the highlight. So now is the opportunity to have some fun. We have the sexy song, we have a groom, we have a bride, a garter and we have a cheering crowd. Everything we need to create much excitement. The rest is up to you, so entertain us. I will raise the music volume and speed up the tempo as it get more intense, building it to a climax. Remember no matter how modest you are, you can still have some fun with it. Besides new husbands' in the heat of passion, can be too quick to embarrass their bride.
The Garter Toss
It's not too difficult to get the single guys on the floor. I just pick up the mic, and they are there!
"All single m.............................................."
Ok, we are ready. The groom with garter in hand, dramatic music playing and the crowd cheering. There is much pushing and bumping with hands high in the air, like the guys were on a basketball court or something. I am encouraging the misbehavior over the P.A.
"Come on guys give it your best shot"......" are you ready?".........."The garter is airborne......................."!
Leaping, sliding, jumping and like a dog pile in football, a hand raises up out of nowhere, proudly displaying his treasure. I know it's childish, but us guys just like it! I'll get the first aid kit. Don't leave just yet. This is a great photo-op for the catchers of the bouquet and garter, with you and your husband. Don't leave the dance floor, you're up next.
Your First Dance
We are having many laughs, but we are going to change the mood a bit. Yeah, it's a little over-romantic, and everyone is going to love it. You and your husband are going to slow dance for us. Remember where the camera is, we are trying to get some spectacular shots.
" Ladies and Gentleman!....... Please gather around the dance floor as we witness and encourage by applaud",...... "The first dance of this new husband and wife. "
Your perfect song starts and you gracefully glide across the floor. Your gazing into each other's eyes. Your guests are amazed at this breath taking moment. The lighting is incredible. The effects and low lying fog beneath your feet. The mood of the music and the overwhelming feelings that envelope us all, It's almost too much to handle. And then your vows that your husband and you just exchanged are heard in the background of the music. Everyone's' heart melts. I told you I recorded it. As your song ends and your life together as husband and wife, begins, I ask the crowd to applaud you.
"Ladies and Gentlemen,...... Please put your hands together, and lets show how much we love this couple!............."
Take it all in. besides everyone here is here for you, with all the love and friendship one could ask for. Take a bow........ Oh, don't leave just yet.
Father Daughter Dance
I then ask your father to join you on the dance floor, as your husband steps aside, one last time.
" May I have the father of the bride, join her on the dance floor please"
Seamlessly the music begins and different emotions come over you. This is when you realize that things are greater than ever before, but different........ We are all going through the tissues!..... Now is the time to gather yourself together and find a hankie. Your husband is on the floor next.
Mother Son Dance
You know how mom's get, and chances are she is not going to pass up the opportunity to dance with her son. I am going to surprise her with a song that she probably has not heard. It is written by a mom, for her son, and the lyrics are so true. I will share those with you later.
"May I have the groom escort his mother to the dance floor please".
I have seen many times where this dance could wet every eye in the house. "A Song For my Son" is playing and when mom cries, everyone cries......I have had many moms come up to me and ask " where did you get that song". I will have a copy of the lyrics, framed, ready for you to give to mom, later in the evening...... Sorry I just ran out of tissues........ I think she has one over there.
Parents Dance
On a lighter note. You may wish to have a parents dance. This includes the grandparents as well.
"Will the parents join together on the dance floor".
It's a wonderful time seeing the parents dance together, elegant music, then talking and laughing. It does not happen often enough (Kodak). And just as that slow song ends, here comes the bridal party.
Bridal Party Dance
Not to take away from all the many great moments that we were part of, but we need to get this party started!
"Bridal party!.... now is your chance!..... Get on the dance floor and show us what you have".
Their favorite beat is playing and the volume is brought up. The up-beat lights come on and without hesitation, the bridal party busts out in dance. The guests taken by surprise, only takes a moment for them to realize that the party has started! The special dance floor lighting is dancing to the beat, the beat of your feet. So let's just say there was dancing all night. All night, until sunlight. Don't worry if you need to leave before we do. I understand you have a honeymoon to get to. I will entertain your guests as long as needed. But before you go, I just wanted to say thank you for inviting me to your wedding. I truly wish you and your husband, the best.
P.S. Remember all the photos and video I took the last couple of days. I am going to edit them and have them ready and waiting for you when you get back from Hawaii. Don't be surprised if some footage is uploaded to YouTube soon, so you and your many friends can relive it over and over, the very next day.
Sincerely,
Rod Fallert
Your favorite DJ
Please remember that this is just one example of the countless memories that could be made. It all comes down to this. It's your wedding and it will be exactly how you want it.
Rod Fallert (Your Favorite DJ)
559.623.2224
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