real wedding:: david + julia

San Diego boasts some of the finest wedding venues out there, but for certain couples, the intimacy of a private residence, for example, is more appropriate than a hotel for their “I Dos.”

The wedding of David and Julia was just that, an intimate affair on a private residence in beautiful La Jolla, CA.  The wedding was simple, yet screamed elegant.  The lighting, provided by WoD vendor, San Diego Events Lighting Co., was romantic, yet simple.  The accents of market string lighting lit their outdoor reception area perfectly.  The food was catered by one of San Diego’a best wedding caterers, Crown Point Catering, another WoD vendor, offered top-of-the-line wedding food and hors d’oeuvres.

In addition, three other Weddings of Distinction vendors took part in the nuptials: wedding music provided by DJ Daniel Peterson, wedding coordination by Ann’s Plans (wedding planning), and photography by Studio Carre Photographie.

San Diego Wedding Professionals_David and JuliaPhotos courtesy of Studio Carre 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!

San Diego Wedding DJ

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

wedding dj

 

tips from the pros :: what to look for in a dj

courtesy of Bob Brichmann, DJ / Emcee at Artistic Productions

The adage that the right DJ can make or break your event is completely accurate. DJs come with so many skill levels, levels of experience and do so many different things. Yes, they play music, but there’s an art to mixing your tastes with those of your friends & families coupled with timing (not to mention dealing with spontaneous requests). The emcee aspect, including introductions & announcements are all key tasks for the modern DJ. DJs monitor and manage the flow of events as the evening unfolds. They mini-crisis manage. They interact with the other professionals to make sure all are on the same page.

DJs also help with ceremony music & microphones. DJs are production specialists these days, too. They can do multiple sets both on-property and at two different locations and even set remote speakers for outdoor patio areas. Various A/V aspects are often a part of their repertoire, including DVD/slide show projection, monograms, uplighting, pin-spotting and various lighting décor.

Brides & grooms should look 1st for someone that does weddings. They are different than high school dances, bars/clubs, bar mitzvahs, karaoke parties and backyard BBQ’s. Find the personality you “click” with. Discuss your dream and seek their advice. You’ve probably never been married. Many of the good DJs do upwards of 100 weddings a year. That says something for experience. It’ll give you peace of mind, but, more importantly, it’ll lead to a stress free, memorable wedding experience.

real weddings :: greg and rachel

Rachel and Greg decided on a La Jolla wedding at the La Valencia Hotel, a gorgeous wedding venue with decor dating back to the 1920’s. They chose wedding planner Cynthia, of Cynthia Zatkin Events, to coordinate their wedding day. Wedding photographer Shannon Henry, of True Photography and Studio Carre’, captured the details of their day exquisitely. Wedding musicians Sterling Strings created ambiance for the ceremony and cocktail hour and wedding DJ Bob Brichmann, of Artistic Productions, entertained the guests and had the dance floor packed for the entire night. Rachel chose a beautiful muted color scheme of taupe’s and ivory’s and received high marks from her bridesmaids by choosing a BCBG cocktail dress for their bridesmaid dresses.
rg_realwedding_web

images courtesy of Shannon Henry