Archive for August, 2008

April 5 - Jill + Jeff

Friday, August 29th, 2008
Venue: 7 Senses
Photographer: Tony Valadez - Flash Box Photography
Florist: Cymbidium
Cakes: Panini Cakes
Caterer: Gil’s Elegant Catering
Jill and Jeff had met at a party while in Law School in October of 2004. After offering to give her a ride home (from said party) as well as an IM chat that lead into the night that evening, the two began to date and quickly fell in love. If you’re curious how you could introduce yourself to a beautiful, yet random, stranger at a party during the month of October, then maybe try Jeff’s introductory line… “For Halloween, My friends and I are forming the crew of Gilligan’s Island, would you be interested in being our Mary Ann?” As I look back to April, one really cool aspect of their reception, was their choice of location. They chose 7Senses (link above) which is actually a furniture and art work design facility, that the owner decided to double as a private event venue. What better way to showcase your artwork and designs, then by allowing people to come in and be surrounded by them during a reception or party. Every table was unique and every room was different. If dancing was not your thing, there were endless pieces of artwork, designs and furniture to look at and discuss. Another cool aspect of their reception, was that Jeff and Jill decided to allow me to present their “Love Story” which is an option I give all my clients. With out spending too much time on it… This is where my clients expose to me about how they met, how they fell in love, why they fell in love, how the proposal took place…. the reason they are getting married. I then compile this into their story and present to their guest. (Which is why I knew what line Jeff used to introduce himself to Jill) I have to tell you…. I had to be cautious about reading this particular story to my wife…. at least the proposal part. (I read them to Jessica as practice and to gain feedback) Jeff proposed to Jill on a hillside amongst a private vineyard (which they snuck into) at sunset in San Giminano, Italy as they sipped wine. My wife, being Italian, and has always wanted to go to Italy.. and loves wine (who doesn’t) would kill to have had that as our engagement. (Thanks for setting the bar high Jeff) A humorous moment of their proposal was as they stood to watch the sunset, Jeff dropped to one knee to propose. Jill, not expecting a proposal, thought we was ducking from the owners of the vineyard. (since they had snuck into this hillside private vineyard) So as he looked up at her with the ring in his hand, she wasn’t there.. She was right down on her knees with him, staring him directly in the face. Once she realized what was going on, and Jeff had persuaded her to stand back up, he proposed. Awesome on so many levels!!!
That’s why I love weddings! Playing music that people love and dance to is great… but even better is learning about all the reasons and ways that my clients meet, fall in love, propose, Why they are getting married and having a reception to celebrate that fact… That is what fuels my addiction to my role as a Master of Ceremonies and DJ at wedding receptions.

Posted in DJ | No Comments »

New Toy

Sunday, August 17th, 2008

So I got tired of my photos always coming out so so, and when you are taking photos of your family and friends, you want them to come out great. Jessica and I have had a Canon G1, and then got a Canon digital Elph. Then we got a SD850is that we still love and is extremely portable (we still use it). But now I have decided to step it up a notch and bought a Canon 40D. Let me just say, I (we) freaking love that Camera. We took it too Michigan, and it took awesome pictures. Before heading out, I watched a couple of very informational videos on YouTube on how to go beyond the standard “Auto Mode” I still have a lot to learn, but did find myself switching off Auto a few times so I good choose my focus point and choose what to meter or going into Av and Tv modes to play around and see how the photos would turn out with different aperatures and shutter speeds. There were a couple of hindsight moments that I wish I could go back and re-do, but hey, it’s a learning process. I know my SD850is has some similar modes, so now I need to play on that one as well. 2 bad things about buying the 40D though…. 1, I am going to have to buy a good raid set since we have already shot about 8 gb worth of photos…(might want to add a offsite backup option as well) Also, I am already looking at what lens to add to my collection. Do I go for a good wide angle lens or a prime portrait lens….. There were a couple of times this last week, were I wish I could go wider because do to rain, we spent a lot of time in doors. But I also see Jessica taking tons of pictures of the kids, so maybe the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM would be a good addition. (or go crazy and get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM)

Hopefully in future posts, I’ll have a couple of photos from the events I work at. Don’t worry, I won’t loose sight of who I am (as the Disc Jockey, not the photographer). I leave you with a shot of Aiden waiting for our plane in the early early morning.

Posted in General | No Comments »