Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ambient DJs' Gregg Hollmann Published in DJ Times

Ambient DJ President, Gregg Hollmann, had his article "Eureka Moments - Lessons Learned at the DJ Expo" published in the November 2010 issue of DJ Times (www.djtimes.com). This article was one of the cover stories. The article lists takeaways from some of the best seminars of the DJ Expo given by the likes of Steve Moody, Jason Jani, Jason Canaan, Peter Merry and the Wedding All-Star Team (MC Johnny K., Adam Weitz, Mike Walter, Mike Berrios, Elisabeth Scott-Daley and Big Daddy Sean McKee).

I will provide the link to the article when the online version becomes available.

Big shout-out to DJ Times for publishing my article and comping my DJ Expo fees for 2011! For those of you who don't subscribe to DJ Times or attend the annual International DJ Expo in Atlantic City, what are you waiting for?

Please follow us on Twitter at AmbientDJs.


Monday, October 25, 2010

How to Plan a Successful Sweet 16 Party

Congratulations Sweet 16!

Your sweet 16 celebration is more than just a birthday party. It is a celebration of your graduation into the world of young adulthood. With today's culture of over-the-top “Super Sweet 16” extravaganzas, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning a great celebration. The following is a guide on how to focus on the most important aspects of this joyous and festive occasion.

1) Date & Time

You should select a date and time when the majority of your guests (both friends and family) are available. Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be popular choices for that reason, but a weekday during the summer vacation or Christmas break might also be good times to throw your party. Be careful to select a date that does not fall close to major holidays or clash with important school functions. It would be a big disappointment to plan your party close to a holiday only to find out many of your guests cannot attend due to family obligations.

Regarding the time of your party, if you have an afternoon party it is typically cheaper than an evening event at most catering halls. However, a daytime Sweet 16 may present a brighter room environment that is not conducive to a DJ dance party. Ultimately the date and time depend on what works best for the style of party you want and your budget, so give it some careful consideration, and consult with your friends and family prior to the date to avoid any schedule conflicts. As for the length of a Sweet 16 party, formal catering halls typically allot four hours per party.


2) Budget

In planning a Sweet 16, we recommend that families establish a budget. Important components of this budget include hall rental, food, invitations, decorations/favors, dress, music/entertainment, photography, videography and party props/prizes. Usually, the hall rental and food will be the largest expense items. Should you opt for a catering hall, expect the price of your party to increase significantly. At a catering hall, most likely you will be charged per guest. Menus may include finger foods, and/or served buffet platters such as salad, baked ziti and chicken piccata.

The total price of a Sweet 16 party can range from $1,000 or less, to the tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend that you spend as much as your budget will allow for. If you find it necessary to reduce expenses, certain components are subject to do-it-yourself solutions (such as photography and videography). We do not however recommend that you substitute a disc jockey with an i-Pod, as the guests will expect to spend the greater part of the evening dancing (most teenagers eat quickly), and a bad DJ (or none!) could result in a boring party.


3) Venue

Where are you going to hold your party? Will you rent out the grandest ballroom in town and throw an extravaganza worthy of Super Sweet 16 status? Or will you select a local rental hall (e.g., Elks Club, American Legion) in which food and decorations can be brought in? The selected party location is a reflection of your vision and budget. Perhaps you have a beautiful backyard that's perfect for a party! Or maybe you have a particular restaurant or catering hall in mind. Don’t be afraid to get creative, but make sure that the space is within your budget and offers the type of party atmosphere that you want for your big day!


4) Guest List and Invitations

A celebration is always better when we surround ourselves with friends and family who love and care for us. Your guest list is one of the most important parts of your celebration. Think about the party you want, and then envision the special people you most want to share that memory with. Particularly for high-energy dance parties, the guest list may primarily feature friends. Will you invite girls, boys, or both? Other Sweet 16 parties feature a balance between family and friends.

People need to know you are having a party! Let them know where, when ,the time the party starts and stops. Most teens need a ride to and from events, so this is especially important for them to coordinate transportation to and from the party. Make sure to include an RSVP date, as this allows you to know in advance exactly who is coming and how many people will need to be fed.

We recommend sending out a “Save the Date” notice two or three months prior to the event date, with invitations being mailed out approximately six weeks prior to the party date. These communications can be sent out cost-effectively via social media (e.g., Facebook).

5) Theme

Do you have a theme? It could be as simple as your favorite color for the decorations, or as elaborate as a Phantom of the Opera costume celebration. We encourage you to think outside of the box and select a theme that is personal to you! Below, we list sample Sweet 16 themes:

* Alice in Wonderland
* Broadway (New York-style)
* South Beach (Miami-style)
* Jersey Shore
* Pretty in Pink
* Black and White
* Blacklight Party (room in illuminated in ultraviolet light and guests are provided glows sticks or glow rings)
* Twilight Saga (or another favorite movie)
* Sports-related (favorite sport or sports team)
* Summer luau

Whatever theme that you select, be sure to let your guests know what to expect. Do guests need to wear a costume, a suit or dress, a specific color, etc.? Don't leave the details to chance - let people know what to expect!

6) Entertainment

Your selected DJ entertainer provides the voice and vibe for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Choose wisely as this person or company can make or break your party!

We recommend hiring a professional DJ company with Sweet 16 and teen dance party experience. A professional mobile DJ will have an up-to-date music collection of radio-edited teen dance music across genres such as hip hop, R&B, pop and club. They will also be able to play appropriate music for dinner and the adults in the audience. Professional DJs utilize professional-grade equipment (such as wireless microphones that can be used for the candle lighting ceremony) and bring back-up equipment. In addition to preparing your playlist and emceeing the party, many disc jockey companies provide valued-added services such as “wow factor” intelligent lighting shows, ambient uplighting, custom monograms, photo booths, music video mixing and video slideshows.

At the end of the evening, you and your guests should have enjoyed a magical evening of dancing to your favorite songs, quite possibly to a dazzling light show.


7) Candle Lighting

A Sweet 16 tradition that you may wish to incorporate is the candle lighting ceremony. In this ceremony, the birthday celebrant dedicates a candle to a family member/friend or to a group of friends, relatives, or other special people in their life. A candle may also be lit in memory of a family member. Typically, the Sweet 16 says a few words as to why they are dedicating the candle and then asks the person or persons to step forward and help light the candle. Most times, once the invitee is asked up, a special song is played as they walk up and while the candle is being lit. These song selections are coordinated in advance with your DJ. Once all candles have been lit, the guests sing Happy Birthday to the Sweet 16 celebrant, and she blows out the candles and makes a wish.

Should you have a candle lighting ceremony? On the one hand, the ceremony includes many of the guests at the party and creates great photo opportunities. On the negative side, the ceremony typically takes 20 or 30 minutes that might better be spent dancing. Also, certain Sweet 16 celebrants may be anxious about speaking on the microphone in front of their family and friends. In this latter case, we recommend either omitting the ceremony, or else having the disc jockey read a script provided by the Sweet 16.

Be sure to check with your catering hall to see if they provide the candles and accessories related to the candle lighting ceremony. If not, then you can either purchase kits, or else bring your own candles. We recommend the long, sturdy candlesticks that might be found on one’s dining room table. Also be sure to bring matches or a safety lighter. Girls with long hair should be extra careful during the candle lighting ceremony!

Other formalities that you may wish to include for your Sweet 16 include a grand entrance, a father-daughter dance, or a grand finale. Please consult the song list below for track selections.

Happy planning,

Your Ambient DJ Mixologists with special acknowledgement to Christopher Smith (DJ Spinz)


ABOUT AMBIENT DJ SERVICE

Ambient DJ Service is an award-winning mobile disc jockey company based in East Windsor, New Jersey and serving the Tri-State area. Ambient DJ specializes in weddings, corporate parties and sensational teen dance parties. For more information, visit us online at www.ambientdj.com or http://ambientdj.blogspot.com. Add us on Twitter at “AmbientDJs” or on Facebook at “Ambient DJ Service.”

Ambient DJ is your one-stop-shop for unforgettable Sweet 16 celebrations! Ambient DJ brings you top-notch pros who will walk you through the planning process and then rock your party. From room lighting to introductions, candle lighting and music selection, Ambient DJ has you covered. For those who seek the very best in disc jockey entertainment, contact Ambient DJ Service today for a free consultation.


Sweet 16 Song Ideas

Grand Entrance

1) Tik Tok - Ke$ha
2) Dynamite - Taio Cruz
3) Sweet 16 - Hilary Duff
4) Viva la Vida - Colplay
5) Pump it Up - Danzel

Father-Daughter Dance

1) Daughters - John Mayer
2) Sixteen Candles - The Crests
3) Will You Light My Candle? - From the Broadway musical Rent
4) Isn’t She Lovely? - Stevie Wonder
5) Child of Mine - Carole King

Open Dancing (these songs will change to reflect the latest and greatest radio hits!)

1) Teenage Dream - Katy Perry
2) Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars
3) I Like It - Enrique Iglesias f/Pitbull
4) DJ’s Got Us Falling in Love Again - Usher
5) Stereo Love - Edward Maya f/Vika Jigulina

Copyright 2010, Ambient DJ Service, LLC. All rights reserved.


Thursday, October 21, 2010

Halloween Mix CD by DJ Jagged

For some devious Halloween season fun, check out this mix by Ambient's DJ Jagged. Mr. Jagged takes a dark trip through grunge, alternative, dub and electronica, before ending in party set fashion with current dance floor favorites by the likes of Far East Movement, Usher and Yolanda and D-Cup. The link is shown below, followed by the track list.

Feel free to leave your comments below.

http://www.mediafire.com/?2pgdx4c173v72i5

Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield
Release the Boar - Salem
Change (in the House of Flies) - The Deftones
No One Knows - Queens of the Stone Age
Time to Pretend - MGMT
XXXO - M.I.A.
Gone Space Trippin' - Peter Munch
Zombie's Walk Dub - Tino
Ghosts - Quivver
Rad Anthem - Rad Omen
Around the World - Daft Punk
Dynamite - Taio Cruz
Like a G6 - Far East Movement
DJ's Got Us Fallin' in Love (Serafin RMX) - Usher
Keep it Goin' Louder (DJ Alvaro RMX) - Major Lazer
We No Speak Americano - Yolanda f/D-Cup
After the Soma - Nigel Richards

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

DJ Greg Nice - Fall 2010 Picks

Manhattan-bred Gregory Lambiase, aka DJ Greg Nice, submits his Top 20 for Fall 2010. Greg's specialties include weddings, corporate parties, mitzvahs and bar/club. With his energetic personality and stage presence, let DJ Greg Nice take your party to the next level!

"DJ Greg Nice's" Top 20/Fall 2010

1. Usher ft. Pitbull - DJ's Got Us Falling In Love
2. Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina - Stereo Love (Molella Remix)
3. Rihanna - Every Girl (*New* )
4. David Guetta & Flo Rida - Club Can't Handle Me
5. Katy Perry - Teenage Dream (Brian Cua Club Mix)
6. Ke$ha - Take It Off
7. Jay Sean ft. Nicki Minaj - 2012 (Jump Smokers Mix)
8. Usher ft. Jay Z & Ester Dean - Hot Tottie
9. LiL Jon ft. LMFAO - Outta Your Mind
10. LMFAO - Get Crazy (Jersey Shore Theme)
11. Yolanda Be Cool ft. Dcup & Nablidon - We No Speak Americano (I Like That)
12. Pitbull ft. T Pain- Hey Baby (Drop it to the Floor) (*New* )
13. Daft Punk - Around The World (Chris Moody Rework) (Throwback)
14. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are
15. Sean Kingston ft. Nicki Minaj - Letting Go
16. Miley Cyrus - Who Owns My Heart (*New*)
17. Esmee Denters ft. Justin Timberlake - Love Dealer (*New* )
18. One Repulblic - Marching On (Timberland Remix) ( *New* )
19. Shakira - Loca ( Freemasons Radio Edit ) (*New*)
20. Jennifer Lopez - Let's Get Loud ( Throwback ) (DJ Note -Mixes well with Shakira's - Loca).

To book DJ Greg Nice for your next party, contact info@ambientdj.com or 609.672.1270.

Coming soon - DJ Jagged's Top 20 of the Fall!

Ambient's DJ Spinz (L) and DJ Greg Nice (R)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Wedding Reception in Cape May

Cape May is a charming town. According to Erik Kent from njwedding.com, it is a little known fact that Cape May is the third most popular wedding destination in the United States. This hidden treasure of New Jersey was an ideal setting for Christopher and Debbie's intimate wedding reception to be shared with a small group of family and friends. Chris and Deb selected the Peter Shields Inn. Built in 1907 and located along the ocean on Beach Drive, the Inn is named after Peter Shields, a wealthy businessman from Pittsburgh.

The interior of the Inn was spacious, cozy and decorated in Victorian charm (e.g., stained glass windows, animal statues). The ceremony took place outdoors on the front porch on a sunny but somewhat gusty October afternoon. Deb and Chris exchanged customized declarations of love for one another and heartfelt vows in a very emotional ceremony. Afterwards, cocktail hour and a served lunch were enjoyed indoors.

Ambient DJ provided music for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception party. Formalities were streamlined, with the newlyweds enjoying their first dance to Ben Folds' "The Luckiest." Late in the afternoon, Chris made a surprise dedication of Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is" to his new bride.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of dancing on a very slightly sloped dance floor across a variety of musical styles that included disco, funk, Motown, 80s, classic rock and modern dance fare. With the food and service top-notch, the Peter Shields Inn and Cape May delivered a truly unique and unforgettable wedding reception.

Attention couples of all ages - whether it's to attend a wedding reception or to have a romantic getaway of your own, Cape May is an excellent destination.






Friday, October 15, 2010

Ambient DJ Now Offers Dancing Under the Stars

Ambient DJ is proud to offer its clients the opportunity to dance underneath a breathtaking universe of twinkling stars and moving clouds. This effect is accomplished by a fixture known as the Bliss Light 15. This effect is most suitable for venues with high ceilings and unobstructed ceiling surfaces. The results are a "Wow Factor" effect that would be ideal for evening formal events such as weddings, Sweet 16s or Proms.

As per the manufacturer:

The Bliss Light 15 generates an enormous universe of stars over a windblown blue nebula cloud field. The beams radiate at 160 degrees from the lens, covering all surfaces from immediately in front of the projector to hundreds of feet away. The Bliss Light is equipped with newly developed laser and LED lighting elements and Multiphase High Resolution Holographic Optical elements on synchronous motors. It is carefully tested and FDA approved for its safe viewing of the laser beams up to a few inches of the lens.


Also, see the attached Youtube video of this effect in action:

A DJ's Poem

When's the last time that you read a poem about a DJ? The poem below captures the imagery of a hot dance party and what a good DJ brings to the table.

A DJ's Poem

Guests dance and move to the groovy sounds.
Lights twirl and twist as the speaker pounds.
"Hands in the air and pump your fists, now make some noise"
The DJ insists.
The crowd reacts in a frenzied state.
The wait staff dancing while clearing plates.
The floor is packed the room is hot.
Mr. DJ's showing what he's got.
Party people dancing with delight
As the music plays into the night.
The maestro plays a song request.
Another happy smiling guest.
The tempo moves to a slower pace
With couples dancing face to face.
The DJ plays the final song
Inviting all to sing along.
Out of nowhere you hear a shout
"One more song 'till they kick us out!"
The crowd erupts into a chant
"one more song" they rave and rant!
The DJ cues the next tune
As a danceable beat fills the room.
The song plays for a while then ends with a snap.
The crowd whistles and yells then dismiss with a clap.
I was a witness.
I watched it unfold.
The DJ played hits for the young and the old.
He played what they wanted missed not a request.
Yes, I am your DJ, thanks for being my guest.

Author - Unknown.

To see this DJ come to life, visit www.ambientdj.com or contact us at info@ambientdj.com or 609.672.1270.



Wednesday, October 13, 2010

DJ Spinz - Fall 2010 Top Songs

Feel that crispness in the morning air? Yes, it's Fall, and time for our disc jockeys to update their Top 20 song playlists. DJ Christopher Smith, aka DJ Spinz, aka the Caramel Kingpin, dials in with these high potency dance floor fillers for your teen dance party. For those of you unfamiliar with DJ Spinz, he is a multi-faceted performer who emcees, mixes, dances, runs games, clowns around with guests, and even beat boxes! Chris' song selections are presented in countdown fashion. Drumroll please...............

20) Holdin You Down (Circles)- Jazmine Sullivan
19) Only Girl In The World- Rihanna
18) OMG rmx - Usher ft DJ Class and Fatman Scoop
17) The Only Exception- Paramore
16) Hold Yuh- Gyptian
15) Dueces- Chris Brown ft Tyga
14) Misery- Maroon 5
13) Your Love- Nicki Minaj
12) Billionaire- Travie Mccoy
11) 2012- Jay Sean ft Nicki Minaj
10) Ridin Solo- Jason Derulo
9) Teenage Dream- Katy Perry
8) Club can't Handle Me- Flo Rida
7) California Gurls- Katy Perry
6) Dynamite- Taio Cruz
5) Dj Got Us Fallin' In Love- Usher ft Pitbull
4) I Like It- Enrique Iglesias ft Pitbull
3) Like A G6- Far East Movement
2) Just the Way You Are- Bruno Mars
1) Airplanes- B.O.B ft Hayley Williams

Top 5 Songs In DJ Spinz's i-Pod
5) One- Swedish House Mafia ft Pharell
4) The Rave (Tocadisco Remix) - Dr. Kucho
3) Pacha On Acid- Afrojack
2) Yep That's Me- Jamie Foxx
1) Still Got It- Drake

To book the highly-rated DJ Spinz for your teen dance party, wedding, or company holiday party, contact info@ambientdj.com or dial 609.672.1270. Follow Ambient DJ on Twitter @ AmbientDJs, or subscribe to our Facebook fan page at "Ambient DJ Service." To subscribe to our e-mail list for exclusive special offers, please send an e-mail to info@ambientdj.com with your full name and e-mail address.

Coming soon.... DJ Jagged and DJ Greg Nice's Autumn song selections! To view DJ Iron Mike's Top Fall selections, click here.


Monday, October 11, 2010

Have You Booked Your Holiday Party Yet?

It's a sign of the times with economic uncertainty high, that individuals and companies are booking their holiday parties very late. This trend applies to other party segments, even weddings. In 2010, we have even booked several wedding receptions just a week or two prior to the event. Whereas in the old economy, clients were keen to reserve their preferred DJ, in the new economy, clients are reluctant to commit given the high level of uncertainty. In some cases, funds may also be tight.

At this juncture, Ambient DJ still has a good level of availability in December for holiday party bookings, December weddings and New Year's Eve parties. We encourage our clients (as well as our future clients) to book their parties soon to avoid being "boxed out" in the last minute rush that is likely.

Regarding company holiday parties, we work closely with your planning committee to develop an appropriate music and entertainment program. For example, different entertainment styles might be appropriate for an outgoing sales group, versus manufacturing workers, versus lawyers, versus scientists, etc. For non-dancing types, we recommend interactive games and activities. Some examples include:

* customized trivia game (to reflect your group);
* name that tune, but presented in a fresh, unique format!
* adaptation of "The Price is Right" game;
* karaoke;
* dress up an employee (boss) as a reindeer... teams compete to see who comes up with the most creative design;
* casino night;
* Nintendo Wii competition;
* Guitar Hero competition.

Or, let us work with you to design a unique activity for your unique group!

For groups looking to cut loose, enjoy some fine dining and libations, we will focus more on keeping and maintaining an action-packed dancefloor.

Ambient DJs' historic roster of corporate clients includes Procter & Gamble, the American Cancer Society, Dow Jones, Bloomberg LP, Sonoco Products, as well as many small businesses.

Please contact Gregg at info@ambientdj.com or 609-672-1270 to book your party. Visit us on the web at www.ambientdj.com. Follow us on Facebook at "Ambient DJ Service" or on Twitter at AmbientDJs.


Saturday, October 9, 2010

DJ Iron Mike - Fall 2010 Top 25 Songs

On a quarterly basis, Ambient DJs' music mixologists update their top 25 playlists. These lists tend to feature current music, and may include certain "classics in rotation." In countdown fashion, here is DJ Iron Mike's edict:

25. Club Can't Handle Me- Flo-Rida
24. Not Afraid- Eminem
23. Hold Yuh (rmx)- Gyptian f/ Nikki Minaj / Just You & I- Ricky Blaze
22. Misery- Maroon Five
21. I Heard 'Em Say- Jermaine Dupri
20. Blowing Money Fast- Rick Ross f/ Styles P ("I Think I'm Big Meech!")
19. Love Like Woe- The Ready Set
18. Just The Way You Are- Bruno Mars
17. Alejandro- Lady Gaga
16. Aston Martin Music- Rick Ross f/ Drake, Chrisette Michelle
15. Hold You Down (goin' in Circles) (rmx)- Jazmine Sullivan f/ Mary J. Blige & Swizz Beatz
14. If It's Love- Train
13. Bottoms Up- Trey Songz f/ Nikki Minaj
12. All I Want is You (rmx)- Miguel f/ Lloyd Banks & J. Cole
11. Stereo Love- Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina
10. Hot Tottie- Usher f/ Jay-Z
9. Only Girl In The World- Rhianna
8. Fancy- Drake f/ T.I.
7. One- Swedish House Mafia f/ Pharrell
6. Duces- Chris Brown f/ Tyga
5. Like a G6- Far East Movement f/ The Cataracts
4. Miss Me- Drake f/ Lil' Wayne
3. I Like It- Enrique Iglesias f/ Pitbull
2. Dynamite (rmx)- Taio Cruz f/ Jennifer Lopez
1. DJ Got Us Falling in Love- Usher f/ Pitbull

** Editor note - a Dynamite Remix with J. Lo? I'd better check that one out!

To book Mike for your next formal, informal or bar/club event, contact info@ambientdj.com.





Friday, October 8, 2010

Ambient DJ Joins NJWEDDING.com Network

Ambient DJ Service is pleased to announce that it has joined njwedding.com as an advertiser. You can view our ad under the Disc Jockey category in any of the three regions of New Jersey (North, Central, South).

Erik and Beth Kent, founders of njwedding.com, have created a top notch wedding planning resource for engaged couples in the state. There are many useful articles on the site related to wedding planning tips and hot industry trends. Erik and Beth are frequently out-in-the-field, meeting with engaged couples and an array of top-notch wedding vendors.

As per their website:

"NJWedding.com was founded by New Jersey couple Erik and Beth Kent on February 14, 1997 to help wedding professionals promote their services and directly connect with future brides and grooms. The web site currently receives over 500,000 hits per month and features over 500 wedding businesses serving New Jersey and parts of New York and Pennsylvania that future brides and grooms can choose from, including helpful articles and tips about wedding planning, expert relationship and marriage advice and much, much more."

NJweddings.com can also be found on Facebook (njwedding.com) and Twitter (njwedding). Check it out!

Please Join Our E-Mail List


Dear Ambient DJ friends, clients and future clients -

Please consider subscribing to our mailing list for periodic party planning tips, music news and exclusive special offers. We value your time, and promise to mail you only high-quality content on an infrequent basis. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,

Gregg Hollmann
President
Ambient DJ Service


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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Road Trip to Massachusetts

On Sunday September 26th, Ambient DJ had the pleasure of providing music and entertainment at David and Kristen's wedding ceremony and reception party held at the Leicester Country Club in Massachusetts. David Weisberg is a friend who grew up in West Windsor-Plainsboro, but whose academic studies took him to the Boston area.

While Ambient DJ primarily performs within a 90 minute radius from its East Windsor "corporate headquarters," occasionally we have opportunities to take longer road trips. Former remote locations have included Syracuse and New Orleans, and these exotic destination weddings tend to be highly memorable. With Barry Manilow raving about the region in "Weekend in New England," I was intrigued for this early autumn road trip to Massachusetts (the fall foliage is already beginning to blossom).

The day before the event, Saturday, I took a long afternoon nap before performing a Sweet 16 party at the Mercer Boathouse which concluded at midnight. I stopped home to grab my suitcase and get changed, grabbed an 18 oz. super can of Red Bull, and then drove overnight to Auburn, MA, about 20 minutes outside of Leicester (pronounced "Lester"!). The driving conditions were ideal! Sparse traffic, and I was grooving to trancy electronica mix CDs by DJs Max Graham and Hernan Cattaneo. I arrived at the La Quinta Inn and checked in at 5 AM. I was able to sleep a good four hours before rising, eating breakfast and heading to the Leicester Country Club.

The ceremony was held outside adjacent to the golf course. It was a beautiful autumn day, sunny, comfortable with a hint of crispness in the morning air. The cocktail hour and reception party were held upstairs in a spacious banquet room. Each table was decorated with a Scrabble tile holder with letters spelling a word related to love and marriage. I backlit my DJ facade in a harvest color scheme (maize, red, orange).

The new Mr. and Mrs. Weisberg entered to "Blitzkrieg Bop" and enjoyed their first dance to "Rainbow Connection" (Kermit the Frog version!). High-quality toasts were delivered by the co-maids of honor, DJ Iron Mike, and Dave Siegel. Then the groom took the mic and thanked the many individuals who helped the reception come together in what he described as a "do it yourself wedding." Fortunately for Dave and Kristen, they have a talented group of friends, as this reception in no way resembled a low rent, do-it-yourself wedding.

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of fine dining and a wide variety of musical styles for dancing. With many guests traveling from out of town, the reception had a more relaxed feel, which is not uncommon for Sunday afternoon weddings. Popular songs/sets included a 90s dance set, various ballads, the Perculator, the Electric Slide (by request) and a hora medley.

I pulled out of the reception hall at 7 PM, enjoyed some local color at the Piccadilly Pub in Auburn, and then got a deep, restful night of sleep before returning to New Jersey the next morning.

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Dave Weisberg!