disc go round dj | San Diego Weddings Of Distinction

real wedding :: grace + alex

Sometimes you just never know when you’ll meet that special someone, and for Grace and Alex, the stars aligned, and through mutual friends, their paths crossed. At the time, Alex was only in San Diego for a summer internship, and Grace was a local resident. They spent time together with friends, shared in some fun, and by the end of the summer, the two enjoyed their first date alone. The connection was strong, and even though it was now the end of the summer and Alex was returning to school in FL, the couple stayed in touch and maintained a bi-coastal relationship!

Fast forward a year, and the two were finally on the same coast! Their courtship spanned a couple of years after that, and in the city where they first met, they married under the stars at Mt Woodson Castle. The night was perfect. Thanks to the musical talents of wedding DJ, Andy Hagenah of The Groove Wedding DJ, the couple, with their family and friends, enjoyed a night of dancing and photo booth fun. Studio Carre’ Photographie captured the memories, and there were plenty made! The wedding lasted well into the night!

Grace and Alex’s wedding was a grand affair, and to make such a night possible, only the best wedding vendors were used! The bride looked her best thanks to wedding hair and makeup by Meleah Hair & Makeup; the location was classic California; the music was bumping all night; and the photos will last a lifetime!

Photos courtesy of Studio Carré Photographie

featured wedding vendor :: ‘the groove’ {formerly disc go round DJ}

New name; same business; fresh look. That is what is present for Andy Hagenah. Andy started and successfully operated a leading San Diego-based DJ company, Disc Go Round DJ. Yet, for 2014, a new approach was needed. So, with the help of a former client of his, Andy has re-named and merged ‘Disc Go Round DJ’ into ‘The Groove,‘ rebranding an already successful DJ business into one that is more modern, hip, and above-all, experienced.

Andy, along with his partner Tim English, have been doing so much in the past year, connecting not only to his clients, but also transforming himself, so it is only appropriate that this rebranding personify the good that has come. The Groove will continue to serve weddings, corporate events, private parties, and more, so if you know of someone, or some event, that needs good tunes, contact Andy today!

photos courtesy of E3 Photography

news + press :: july meeting at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel + Marina

Life is San Diego is pretty spectacular, and when you’re part of a group that takes you to one of the finest wedding venues in San Diego for lunch, life gets that much more spectacular. For July’s meeting we traveled to the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, located bay front with amazing views of America’s Finest City.

We started the afternoon outdoors, on the Bay View Lawn, with a sunny and warm reception hour with small bites and custom lunchtime cocktails. The view of the docked boats and the crystal-clear blue skies made everyone’s mood happy. Then, we moved the luncheon indoors, into the Sheraton’s Harbor Island Ballroom, which still offered stunning views of the harbor with its tall windows throughout.

Our speakers this month: Maryanne McGuire, of McGuire Photography, and Andy Hangenah, of “The Groove,” formerly “Disc-Go-Round DJ.” Maryanne shared with her start as a wedding photographer, from her beginnings in NY state, to her travels out west. Andy explained the evolution of his wedding DJ business, and how the re-branding of his company and changing the name to “The Groove” actually came from a client of his! It was great to gain insight into these two about their starts and to see how they’ve come to where they are today!

Our “Tips-from-the-Pros” series continued this month, and it was the florists in our group, Lois Mathews, Frankie Hartwell, and Dawn Stone, that shared insight into the extent of the work a wedding flower designer can do for a wedding. Many may not realize that so much more goes into wedding flowers, not just designing bouquets and arrangements!

The meeting ended with a 50/50 raffle and a gracious giveaway from the Sheraton Hotel. Next month: we travel to Paradise Point Hotel & Spa. Stay tuned!!

Photos courtesy of E3 Photography

:: what can a professional wedding DJ really offer?

Wedding music; the decision of whether to have a band or a DJ can be daunting for some. Bands are great, but DJs offer more diverse options. Sometimes, it’s great to have both, but then who do you choose? Bands can be distinguished by their sound and skill, but a DJ, their skill is not so easily distinguishable.

[Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ.]

Many may think that a DJ just plays songs from a playlist. There is truth in that, but really they do so much more. Having a DJ at your reception not only gets the crowd moving, they have the ability to take your event to the next level. Ever been to an event where the music was blah, and the “DJ” was boring and dry? That’s what we’re talking about. A DJ can make or break an event.

Of course, DJs play music, and you may be thinking, “Well, Uncle __ can create a playlist on iTunes entitled ‘_ Wedding,’ and it includes all our favorite songs.” True, but think about timing. A professional DJ, one who has been in the business for years, knows the appropriate mix of styles of music & the right timing for certain types of music. Doesn’t that seal the deal? An experienced DJ knows how to cater your event to your tastes as well as to the expectations of your crowd. A professional DJ can read your crowd and then create the proper ambiance for your particular party in your particular stage/venue.

The idea that a DJ at your reception is there only to play music and to get the crowd bumpin’ is a bit naïve these days. Many professional DJs also act as emcees. They make announcements, introductions; or, they may chime in with a funny ad-lib or joke. DJs are in this business because they have personality; a professional DJ engages in public speaking for a living! And, think about it, keeping your guests entertained is not accomplished through music alone.

The services many professional DJs offer is extensive, and when you really think about what you’re getting for your big day, the money is always worth it. Music, microphones, speakers, and DVD/slideshows, and so much more. Arguably one of the key components to creating a fun and memorable wedding reception is the not just the food, it’s the DJ/music.

Our advice: be wise, do your research, meet with DJs in person prior to your event. Guage his/her personality, find out how long they’ve been in business, and look for reviews! Weddings of Distinction is fortunate to have two of the best San Diego wedding DJs in the business in our group: Artistic Productions + Disc-Go-Round DJ. You, your friends, and your family will surely remember the ceremony, the dress, etc., but why have a wedding if it’s not for the celebration

news + press :: november meeting at humphreys half moon inn

Photos courtesy of ABI Photography

Wedding of Distinction’s November meeting took place at Humphreys Half Moon Inn + Suites. Taking place just after the Thanksgiving holiday, November’s meeting was was our traditional sit-down meet and eat. We heard speeches by Sandra of Sandra Nicole, we met some new faces and potential new-members, and we enjoyed a delicious meal and dessert. All that, and we had an amazing view of the pier and boats on Shelter Island.

Humphreys Half Moon Inn + Suites is known for their fantastic concerts by the bay, and with its ample outdoor space and views of the “colorful marina,” if you haven’t been there yet, we highly recommend a trip there!

a wedding is just one kind of party

The holiday season is in full swing, and as November draws to a close and December rapidly approaches, many people start thinking party celebrations and holiday shindigs. Why not? The six weeks from Thanksgiving to New Years are a joyous time, and joyous times should be celebrated!

Weddings of Distinction is group made up of amazing vendors. Yes, as the name of our group suggests, we all may focus on weddings, but that does not mean the services of a DJ, a florist, a photographer, etc. could not be used for other occasions. After all, aren’t weddings just one kind of party? We love parties! So whether you’re getting married, or you want to add a special touch to a holiday get-together of your closest friends, one or more of the Weddings of Distinction vendors could help turn your ideas into a reality!

Want festive invitations? ………. We’ve got vendors for that!

Need family holiday photos? Or, want a sexy gift for your special someone? ………. We’ve got photographers for that!

Want a top-rated holiday party venue, as rated by Cvent? ………. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is ready for action!

I think you see the point. Together, we make up Weddings of Distinction, but at the end of the day, the group is made up of individual companies that offer amazing work and/or services, both in the wedding industry and BEYOND!

Want to read more? Here are just a few links that showcase our vendors’ work!

Starlight Photo Booth

Pink Star Design Custom Invitations

The French Gourmet Holiday Wine Party

San Diego Events Lighting

news + press :: “spooktacular” october meeting

Photos Courtesy of Studio Carre’ Photographie

Weddings of Distinction‘s October meeting was non-traditional, and in the spirit of Halloween, we would not have had it any other way. With the help of San Diego Events Lighting, the studios of Hartworks Floral Design + Pink Star Design were transformed into a dark, yet vibrant space for a casual networking party. Complete with fluttering bats on the wall, a spooky-faced tree, and a plethora of candy/treats that would make a dentist mad, October’s WOD meeting put the fun into this function.

The French Gourmet provided delicious comfort food, ranging from fall soups, to nachos and cheese, and the collection of local wine and champagne kept the mood light. Many vendors came in costume, and if you are Jenn from Pink Star Design, you came in your child’s! Bag-lady, Batman, Cat-woman, 50’s woman, Maurice from Betwixt Studio: all the costumes were great!

Special thanks to ABI Photography for providing the photo-booth! Everyone in attendance had the chance to play with props and be goofy for the camera! It was a perfect addition to the Halloween festivities!

news + press :: september luncheon at AFR Furniture Rental

September has come and gone, and Weddings of Distinction members congregated at AFR Furniture Rental for the monthly meeting. What is normally a drab warehouse was turned into a chic dining space, complete with decorative furnishings and chairs (special thanks to David Wright and Kristen Spooner for the hospitality)! San Diego Paella cooked up some delicious lunch, and Joes on the Nose brewed some refreshing teas that held off the September heat.

The meeting was pretty casual, but all relevant and important business was attended to and all new members were introduced to the group. Friendly conversation ended the afternoon. All in all, it was a great, yet hot, afternoon!

news + press :: san diego style weddings magazine – fall 2012

UPDATE: The San Diego Style Weddings magazine launch party was last night at La Costa Resort & Spa! It was a lovely time! We’re please to announce that our very own, Merrylin Brichmann, of Artistic Productions, spoke at the event, sharing stories of her relationship with SDSW over the years. It truly was a great evening, and many Weddings of Distinction members celebrated the special event!

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2012 is a big year for San Diego Style Weddings magazine; it is celebrating 25 years of helping brides plan their weddings! In the latest magazine release, available to the public today, Weddings of Distinction is mentioned in a “Wedding Service Group” feature!

Get your copy today for helpful tips and tricks for planning a wedding in Southern California!

news + press :: august luncheon at the dana on mission bay

Photos courtesy of Betwixt Studio.

The Dana Resort on Mission Bay hosted Weddings of Distinction’s August luncheon. While August is typically a very busy time for wedding vendors in San Diego, this month’s meeting had a great turnout, with over 20 in attendance. The round-table discussion, while informal, gave those present the opportunity to share stories with the group and offer one another tips and tricks for managing the end-of-summer bustle. A special thanks is due to the catering staff at The Dana, specifically Keith and Kaylee, for not only sharing their space with the group for this meeting, but for the great meal and the tours of the property afterwards.

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