Entertainment by DJ Mike Hogan
Tag: wedding dj
real wedding :: adam + sara
Weddings are unique and are a reflection of the couple, their style and tastes, and their upbringing. For Adam and Sara, their Indian wedding was the perfect combination of tradition and fun! This particular celebration was the couple’s 2nd one, as the week prior the bride’s side of family enjoyed their own party.
Coordinated by Cristina Gold, Adam and Sara’s special day took place at the Marriott La Jolla. Weddings of Distinction members, Concepts Event Design and Republic of Music, provided the uplighting/market lights and the entertainment, respectively. Republic of Music is one of San Diego’s premier live music and DJ entertainment, and this wedding was no exception…they provided a 15 piece dance band, Cocktail Duo (piano/vocalist), Professional DJ, 2 DHOL players (indian drummers), projector screens, as well as stage trussing! Then, to top it all off, patterned gobos were spread out throughout the reception room and dance floor!
The wedding was extremely high energy, and entertainment centered around numerous Indian performances by friends and family. There were times, though, when the groom, himself, surprised the bride with not only a choreographed dance, but with his own musical debut on drums! The groom wanted this night to feel like a concert, and with all the details, the band, the staging and lighting and more, its safe to say, he got what he wished for!
Photography Courtesy of Bob Hoffman Photo & Video
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.
Photos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie
news + press :: february’s meeting at Mt Woodson
This month we got together in the heart of Ramona at the Mt Woodson / Amy Strong Castle. Our site visit included a personalized tour by Tracy…showing us all the work they have put into the castle. From the new ceremony site, to beautifying the remaining structure to keep the history intact. This one of a kind property boasts a natural elegance and hand painted elements by the original owner! Lunch was served up by Personal Touch Dining complete with a bread pudding that was to die for! Vintage florals were the courtesy of Hartworks Floral Design…combining the best of wedding flowers with decor elements chosen from the castle itself!
Along with great networking, we welcomed new members Republic of Music, Coaststyle Events, and First Comes Love. We’re excited to have them as part of the dynamic that makes up Weddings of Distinction!
Photos courtesy of Studio Carre Photographie
new + press :: august meeting at paradise point resort + spa
The weather was hot, but it was ok; we were in paradise….or at Paradise Point Resort, anyway! August’s Weddings of Distinction luncheon took place at the beautiful tropical resort, and with amazing views of the bay and an amazingly delicious summertime meal, this networking meeting did not disappoint.
We heard from a couple of our newer vendors, Greg Shibley of G Sharp Entertainment, and Scott Milnes, Wedding Officiant and relationship counselor. Both are talented and charismatic speakers, so the stories each shared kept people captive and even had people tearing up at some points!
In addition to the logistical matters that were taken care of, many new ideas were discussed for the group. Many changes have come in 2014, and with the momentum the group has, many more positive changes are in store. Weddings of Distinction js not just a group that meets monthly for lunch. Besides networking and sharing ideas, referrals and lead generation are a focus moving forward. A lot of great things are coming for Weddings of Distinction members, so stay tuned to be a part of the journey with us!
Photos courtesy of Maryanne McGuire Photo
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
REAL wedding :: cherie + cameron
San Diego is the perfect place for a destination wedding, and for the couple featured in this REAL wedding, San Diego was an easy choice! Cherie and Cameron are both New Yorkers, and they wanted the San Diego sun to be their backdrop for their unforgettable nuptials!
Their fabulous wedding took place on a perfect May day at the gorgeous Bahia Resort Hotel. The theme: nautical. Lots of blues, yellows and whites, and every element perfectly coordinated with the couple’s sea-loving theme. They were married outside, with the water behind them and palm trees giving the illusion of their own, private outdoor oasis.
(Photos courtesy of TRUE Photography)
Being as the couple was not local, they relied on communicating with vendors via email and over the phone, so for Cherie and Cameron it was important to find wedding vendors they could trust. Fortunately, they had two of Weddings of Distinction’s finest: wedding cake specialists, Sweet Cheeks Baking Co. and wedding DJ with a plan, Merrylin, Disc Jockey and Emcee of Artistic Productions.
In the end, Cherie & Cameron praised their vendors for creating the “Best Wedding Ever!” It was romantic; it was fun; and it was full of surprises (think Bollywood ‘First Dance’ mix and a Flash Mob father/daughter dance). Never a dull moment, but then again, when you hire the right wedding vendors, the party should be nothing but fun and dance.
(Photos courtesy of TRUE 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 :: may’s meeting at continental catering
photos courtesy of ABI Photography
Weddings of Distinction paid a visit to fellow member Continental Catering‘s facility in La Mesa for the most recent WoD meeting/luncheon. Decor, service, food, beverage… they rocked it! Kristie Emmons & company took great care of us. Their kitchen remodel is fantastic. Officiant Patricia Coleman showcased and shared some of her talents and stories with us, as well. Many guest wedding vendors attended to check out our offerings as one of San Diego’s oldest & most successful wedding networking groups (17 years). Welcome to our newest members ~ Darla Mercer and Humphrey’s on the Bay and the collection of The US Grant, Westin Gaslamp Quarter & W San Diego, represented by Kimberley Winninger. Good networking was had by all!
