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
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 thier 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 goto 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 celebreate that fact… That is what fuels my addiction to my role as a Master of Ceremonies and DJ at wedding receptions.
Whew, what a weekend, or week for that matter. I had two ceremonies, plus two receptions this weekend, and the detail prep included two full love stories, scripted intros, a rehearsal on Thursday night, and I don’t know how many miles of walking. My first event was the wedding of Rebecca and Matt at the Dallas City Club which is on the 69th floor of the Bank Of America Plaza in downtown Dallas. (Shown on left) For DJs and Bands, this is most likely the worst load in and out Venue in all of Dallas. You basically park across the intersection from the actual building and then you have to take a freight elevator down, then traverse a long tunnel that slopes upwards and has some drainage grates in the path (torture on dolly casters and your arms). Then you get to wait 5 -10 minutes for another freight elevator to arrive and take you up 69 floors. By yourself, a standard load in can take up to an hour. Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t find anyone to assist me this weekend, so I showed up extremely early and double dollied it. This was great for load in, for but load out, my secondary dolly had it’s tire come off of the rim due to the weather change and my neglect to check it’s air level (i haven’t used this particular dolly for 6 months - stupid me) So, I got to walk to underground maze three times. Yay for weight loss!! Now in between the chaos of load in and out, the wedding and reception rocked. I love working with great vendors. The photographer was Kevin Jairaj and the site coordinator was Vicki Welch of City Club I think a key trait to a good photographer is personality (besides the obvious quality of their work). Kevin not only does incredible work, he is easy and fun to work with making not only me, the dj, but the clients happy as well. Happy people = Fun Time = More dancing. I have worked some receptions where the photographer was a total jerk and it’s hard to work with the bride and groom, after they have been stressed to the nines by an overbearing, time consuming photographer. The more of a friend you become with your client and their guests, the more responsive and trustworthy they are of you. I have found that when clients take advantage of scripted introductions and love story presentations, it blurs the crowd’s perception of me. It changes that perception of “just another dj” to “he really knows the bride and groom well, they like him, so, we like him too” On many occasions, I will go over to the bar to get a glass of water or a diet coke, and guests will ask how I met the bride and groom, if I am a friend or family somehow.. I love when they ask that, it means (to me) that I am doing a good job. After that, if you make a mistake, they laugh with you, and not at you. Not that I make tons of mistakes, but you get the point.