The Importance of Being Early

As a wedding DJ, I take on a special responsibility for my clients and their guests when I agree to be a part of their day and evening.  I have to not only meet but exceed their expectations throughout the event.  I would not want a wedding professional involved in my wedding who did not have this goal in mind.  Why settle for ordinary when your love, your celebration, and your party are anything but?

I accomplish this with the utmost professionalism and with an attitude that lends itself to the success of the event.  There are countless ways I make this happen: I get to know the bride & groom.  I dress and act professionally at all times.  I use only top-notch equipment and have backups handy, just in case.  I make sure I have all their music on at least three different devices.  And maybe too easily overlooked by some but very important nonetheless- I always arrive early to the venue.  I'm not punctual.  I am early.

It seems simple, right?  Show up well before you are scheduled to play.  Unfortunately many don't strictly follow this rule and their performance suffers.  I do not want the bride & groom, their families, other wedding professionals etc to worry one moment about "Where is the DJ?"  My job is to facilitate the event, to head off problems before they impact the timeline, and to seize opportunities as they come up to make their day even more spectacular.  For me, being early sets me up to accomplish these goals.

Being early, I don't typically have to worry about loading or parking issues, and if I do I have plenty of time to work around them.  Sometimes the layout of a room has completely changed since talking with the clients or venue representative and the extra time allows for innovative problem solving if the new setup is less than ideal.  Power sources and positions for lighting and speakers can be tested and changed so that the set up is optimal.

Arriving early allows me to calm an overtaxed mother of the bride or a nervous groom.  It allows me to meet and get to know the bridal party and officiant and discuss pertinent details of the day.  I can speak with the venue rep, the caterers, the cake people and pick up valuable details while being a calming influence, showing them I will be a productive and cooperative partner in the upcoming festivities. Through this I am making connections that will not only serve me well in this event but in future events as well.

Finally, arriving early allows me to keep my personal stress level down.  I am not watching the clock, hurrying to accomplish something but instead taking my time to make sure that every little detail is correct.  I am a rock for my clients and the other wedding professionals, keeping things level and fun  which only magnifies the vibe of the entire event.

Personally, if I am not at the venue and unloaded an hour before I am supposed to play, I get antsy.  And this is at a venue that is close by and one that I have played before.  If the venue is further away, I always add more and more time depending on the circumstances.  I have to allow for traffic, for weather, for flat tires- basically anything that can happen I need to be prepared for.

In almost 800 weddings now, along with several hundred other events, I have had three close calls.

Once, in Southern California, I was rear-ended on the freeway on the way to a Holiday party. I had to wait for the CHP to come and make a report and even though it took up far more time than I would have liked, I was still at the venue and set up in time for cocktail music.

Another time, up at Lake Tahoe, I arrived early at a beach for a ceremony (the reception was in another spot and I had already set up there).  No sign of the bridal party but the officiant and a dozen family members were looking around, kind of confused.  It turns out they (and I) had been told the wrong beach by the coordinator!  The real beach was several miles away! Being early and inquisitive, I had the time to talk with the family members and officiant and I knew something wasn't quite right.  A quick call to the groom and we were off to the real ceremony site with time to spare.  Instead of "Where's the DJ?" I received gratitude for correcting an issue that would have affected their day.

Finally, the only other time I became worried about my arrival time was a winter wedding up in Incline Village.  It was snowing and I allowed for lots of extra time to get over the pass.  It's a good thing I did!  As I reached the top of the pass under whiteout, 15mph conditions, the road in front of me suddenly cleared up!  I was ecstatic until I drove off the highway into a shallow depression... The clear area was where the snowplow had just turned around. Aargh!  My vehicle wouldn't budge.  I immediately called AAA and awaited rescue. The tow truck showed up 45 minutes later and I had him take me all the way to the venue- I wasn't taking any more chances!  I did not make much that day- the tow charge and the healthy tip cut drastically into any profit but most importantly I was on time and the ceremony went off nicely.  I told my photographer friend what had happened and he laughed because he had passed me as the tow truck was hooking me up but didn't realize it was me.  So even in dire, blizzard conditions I had given myself that extra cushion of time and it had paid off immensely.

So what I am trying to say is a wedding is not a 'gig' or just another job.  It is a sacred trust you are entering into by accepting a contract, and every aspect of your preparation or lack thereof reflects on you and on your reputation.  Being early is one of those things that is well within the control of even a novice event professional, and all the little things you do to prepare add up and make a difference.  Don't be 'on time'!  Be early and your clients and your reputation will thank you.

My expensive hook up :)

Jessie & Colin at Montreux Golf Club with Tiers of Joy Cakes

Montreux's Ceremony Site

Wow.  A ceremony and reception at the Montreux Golf Club is a special thing and I was privileged to be a part of Jessie & Colin's big day there this past weekend.  When you combine the beauty of the property, the professionalism of the staff, and add in an amazing couple with their incredible families and friends, you know a fun evening is ahead!

Colin & Jessie are one of those couples that you know when you meet and talk with them that their day will be a memorable and a fun one.  The miles traveled for their friends and family to attend must be right up there with any weddings I've ever done.  Practically everyone came in from somewhere else with New York & Montana claiming the most but with many other states close behind.  What a great bunch of folks on a gorgeous day!

It was my first time at Montreux and it was all I've heard it would be- a great place to celebrate your wedding day.  As I had never been there before professionally, I arranged a meeting with Billie Doyle, the events manager at the Club and she graciously zipped me around in a golf cart, showing me the ceremony site and where everything would be set up and then taking me over to the reception tent.  She is a true professional, always hovering around to make sure everything goes very smoothly before and during the event.  Her staff are some of the friendliest people in the industry, going above and beyond all evening with ever-present smiles on their faces.  It is obvious they enjoy people and what they do, and they provided happy and efficient service throughout the event.

The DJ's view

The ceremony site is unique in that it overlooks the golf course's practice hole which is immaculately groomed- birds singing in the pines; bees buzzing amongst the flowers- the whole shebang.  Wonderful setting- it reminds me of some of my favorite places in Montana.  Hard to believe you are just minutes from Reno but you truly are immersed in the natural beauty here.

For a DJ, it requires a bit more preparation as the site requires a generator, but it is so worth the extra effort.  Make sure you get a quiet generator, as the site is serene and you wouldn't want something marring the whole magical effect.  My new Honda ran perfectly and noiselessly, providing power for microphones and music for seating & the ceremony.  The bridal party walked down to "Canon in D" by Jurassic 5, a fun modern twist on the Pachbel's original, while Jessie entered to Vitamin String Quartet's cover of "Only Time".  I played "Me & You" by Kenny Chesney during their sand ceremony, and when they kissed and were pronounced husband & wife, they and their party exited to "Signed Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder.   As I was packing up to move to the reception site I heard several guests singing along with Stevie  :)

The Reception Site

The reception was held back at the Clubhouse.  The guests arrived and enjoyed drinks on the deck while down in the tent everything was being made ready for the arrival of the bride & groom.  The guests moved to the expansive and beautifully decorated tent, and to the strands of "Eye of the Tiger" the bridal party made their Grand Entrance.  Jessie & Colin headed to the dance floor and danced their first dance to Blake Shelton's "God Gave Me You" and then made their way over to the double-sided buffet line where Montreux had a delicious BBQ-themed dinner spread out for everyone complete with chicken, ribs and even prime rib.  Another thing about Billie & her crew: they are super-efficient.  Many places say dinner will be at so-and-so but it actually arrives a bit later.  Everything was anticipated and ready- you won't mess up the timeline because of this venue. Well before the toasts, they were popping bottles and pouring glasses just to be ready to pass them out when called for.  A real pleasure to work with this group!

Yummy Cake from Tiers of Joy 

After some great toasts by the best man, maid of honor and Jessie's dad, the B&G cut into an always extraordinary cake from Tiers of Joy.  Many cakes look beautiful but taste like sheet cake.  Leigh Anne & Tesla from Tiers of Joy make beautiful cakes from scratch that are also delicious.  What a concept!  Cakes that look and taste amazing- why is that so difficult for some bakers?  The Montreux staff quickly had the rest cut up and distributed while Jessie and her dad Craig danced their Father-Daughter dance.  They started with Tim McGraw's "My Little Girl", a great Father-Daughter song, but about a minute in I faded into LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" and Jessie & her dad surprised the guests with some amazing moves.  I will never think of "Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle" the same again!  After 30-40 seconds I faded back into "My Little Girl" and Colin and his mom Maryanne joined Jessie & her dad, and then after a few more moments invited everyone up to join the dancing.

The Bridal Party does some Shuffling...

After some dancing, a Money Dance and then an Anniversary Dance followed, with a lot of couples in the 30-40 year range.  The last couple up had been married 46 years... wow.  Dancing went on all night long, with quite a large and diverse bunch of requests making up the vast majority of songs I played.  Great crowd!  Good dancers and just nice people who were extremely happy to be sharing Colin & Jessie's special moments.  I was so pleased to be able to be a part of their day, from the beautiful ceremony all the way through the last dance.  I love my job!  Congrats to Colin & Jessie: may your all your days be filled with music and love.  :)

John & Sara at the McKinley Arts Center

Sara with her dad Mark

It was a very special day yesterday down by the river at the McKinley Arts Center as John and Sara made their vows in front of friends and family under the trees.  What a beautiful setting!  I helped only with amplification, as a harpist played seating and processional and recessional music.  George, the officiant, is a friend of the couple and pastor at their church and his ceremony was very personal and uplifting.  It was amazing that they hadn't kissed before their first kiss, and it was a very special moment. 

Lining up for their Grand Entrance

After some appetizers and drinks, the guests welcomed the bridal party to the reception with Daft Punk and Katrina and the Waves punctuating their arrival.  The bride and groom went right into their first dance, a great song by Matthew West, "When I Say I Do".  I had several people ask what the name of the song was afterwards- they thought it perfect for a first dance.  Following a prayer by Sara's dad Mark, everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner followed by some memorable toasts and the cutting of the cake.  Mark then danced with his daughter followed by John dancing with his mom Maureen- always the most sentimental moments of a reception.

Cupid Shuffling

Dancing then took over the rest of the evening (with a couple tosses thrown in) and it was a fun crowd, dancing to everything from Cotton Eyed Joe to Michael Jackson; from Hank Jr. to Iyaz; and Chubby Checker and AC/DC.  For a DJ, it was a blast- lots of dancing, lots of requests, and a bride and groom enjoying their evening with all their friends and loved ones. Do you believe I get paid for this?  I love my job!  Congratulations to John and Sara and have fun in Belize!

Alisha & Josh at the Grove with Tiers of Joy

Beautiful Bride Alisha and her Tiers of Joy cake

Alisha & Josh were married at the Grove yesterday and I was privileged to be a part of their day.  Leigh Anne & Tesla from Tiers of Joy delivered the beautiful and super-delicious cake and it was really a hit with the guests (and the DJ) but I'm getting ahead of myself...

Josh & Alisha say "I do"

The Grove is a special venue.  Shaka and his staff are very attentive, the food is delicious, and the venue is modern and stunning- you feel like you are in the Rockies yet you are in the middle of Reno.  The patio is perfect for an outdoor ceremony, and Josh & Alisha made the most of an early Fall afternoon and said their vows under the arch.

After their Grand Entrance, Jake played keyboard through my DJ system and sang to the bride & groom.   Jake is an amazing singer, and Josh & Alisha danced their first dance as he sang their song.  After a delicious dinner and toasts, the happy couple cut their cake (mmmmm- peanut-butter & chocolate) and we danced into the night.  I was so pleased to be a part of their day- just a super couple!  Congrats Josh & Alisha!

Patrick & Danae at D'Andrea Golf Club

Another amazing ceremony and reception last night at what is turning out to be my favorite venue, D'Andrea.  Patrick and Danae and their families were awesome and so again was the staff at D'Andrea.  I have written about them in prior blog postings: Stef, Savannah and Shelby are so friendly and accommodating to their guests that they seem like family members instead of venue staff.  And I haven't written about Marcus & Moose, their outstanding bartenders.  They are always laughing and joking with the guests and when the music starts I see them dancing and playing air-guitar while tending bar.  Maybe that is what I like about D'Andrea most of all: they do their job because they love what they do and it shows in their smiles and the quality service they provide.  I can relate to that- I love my job and when your DJ is smiling and enjoying the reception, it tends to be contagious.  Now just multiply that by 10 and that's what you get from the people at D'Andrea.

Case in point: here are Patrick & Danae listening to the toast by their Maid of Honor Christine.  The toast was scheduled to be inside, but Danae & Pat went outside for sunset photos and loved the lights coming on and the cool temperature.  They asked Shelby if they could possibly do the toasts outdoors.  So D'Andrea quickly brought the champagne out and within a few minutes we were toasting out on the beautiful patio.

With such a great couple, crowd, and servers the dancing went on and on.  Two hours past the scheduled end in fact.  And it could have continued further, but Danae & Pat's limo had already been waiting outside for an hour and the B&G had an early flight to Cancun, so we all reluctantly called it a night.  As far as music goes, I was able to play a wide variety of tunes.  Some of the highlights were "Friends in Low Places", "Thriller", "Crazy Girl" and "Get Low" but every song rocked.  Danae & Patrick danced their first dance to "Then" by Brad Paisley, but the coolest song of the night had to be the Mother-Son dance.  Pat and his mom Teri danced to "Wild Thing" by the Troggs, which is a first for me, but everyone was laughing and cheering- it was a memorable moment amongst many.  Thanks to D'Andrea, the great guests and family and especially Danae & Patrick for letting me be a part of their day.  I love my job!

Wendy & Michael at Edgewood

Had a blast being a part of Wendy & Mike's ceremony and reception up on the shores of Lake Tahoe at the always elegant Edgewood.  The rainstorms stayed away and the temperature was perfect for a lakeshore, sandy beach wedding.  Wendy walked in to a beautiful rendition of "Canon in D" and the newly married couple exited to Jack Johnson's "Better Together".  Following cocktails and appetizers on the deck, the guests were seated in the South Room and Mike & Wendy made their Grand Entrance accompanied by Queen's "Your My Best Friend".   The typically delicious Edgewood buffet followed: I am always amazed by the quality of the food and the professionalism of the servers that work there.  Walter and his staff are friendly, professional, and truly care about their guests.  And they are efficient as well.  For example, the buffet line was on the dancefloor, and when it came time to toast and dance, he and his crew had the entire line down and the dancefloor cleared in less than four minutes.  I know, because right as they began I started a song that was 3:51 long, and they were completely done before it was over.  Amazing!

Lots of great dancing ensued throughout the evening.  Most memorable were a very animated bunch of dancers during "Thriller" and a great sing-along version of "Baby Got Back".  I was pleased to be able to download and play a Blackhawk song for a couple celebrating their 7th anniversary as well as play a few other romantic favorites for couples including songs by Allison Krause and the Turtles.  Not only do I get to see the magic when the bride and groom dance their first dance, but I get to see it relived on the faces of family and guests when I play their important song.  What a great job I have!  Thanks Edgewood!  Thanks Wendy & Michael for having me play your ceremony and reception!  Wishing you lots of happy, wonderful years of marriage...