Albert & Jenni remind me a lot of my wife and myself. Albert and I are both Hispanic, love music, but aren’t dancers. Jenni and Monica both love country music, are very outgoing… and all 4 of us love the Lord. We were going to work well together!!!

Albert lied to me though: for someone who said he doesn’t dance, Albert was on the floor the ENTIRE time! This was one heck of a party!

Their wedding reception was one of the most unique things I’ve witnessed. Here’s some highlights:

• Reception held at Windy Hill Ranch in a quaint little barn (quaint meaning HUGE, haha) with AIR CONDITIONING!
• The most unique first dance ever. They created their own choreography. IMPRESSIVE!
• No wedding cake– Blue Bunny Ice Cream instead– DELICIOUS!!!
• Father Daughter Dance was Disney’s “Under the Sea.”
• Very Unique garter removal, thanks goes to DJ Rob from Indiana for his help!!
• Bridal Party dance was the Chicken Dance, the ultimate cheese was made FUN again!!!

Monica and I had a blast watching everyone dance to anything that was thrown in the music. I got to play some songs I’ve never played at a wedding before… you’ll have to check out the video!! There’s a few photos and 4 short videos, because I had to separate all the awesome clips– definetly worth watching!!!!!

This continues my “Best Wedding Receptions Ever!” month and I can’t wait for the next two.

Package chosen: Entertainment Coordinator

Click below for photos and videos!!!

The Windy Hill Ranch in Apopka was decorated in celebration of Albert & Jenni.

My setup. The big white holes on the bottom left are the AC intakes.

My setup with the super-cool new 19″ widescreen monitor.

First dance!

Best wishes were written on a “clothesline” as well as a quilt– VERY unique!

Monica, myself, Albert & Jenni!

Now 4 videos!

The first video is the longest. It features a custom introduction and the first dance. Must watch!

The second video the father/daughter dance introduction as well as the opening of the dance floor!

The 3rd video is the bouquet and garter toss.

4th Video is the finale!

Almost three years ago I did a wedding for Mr. and Mrs. Acevedo. This promptly led to creating an amazing reception for two more family members: Mr. and Mrs. Santiago. We got along so well that they invited me to their church, New Hope, in Winter Haven, FL. This has been the best decision in my life– I’ve finally found a church I can call home.

Fast forward to yesterday, Matt and Erica came to my office needing the wedding of the century. Knowing their family and friends, very little effort would be needed to accomplish this– and boy was I right. This was a party from the very beginning on out!

The photographer, Danny Cruz (with his son, Brandon) and Tim & Patti (with Storybook Weddings Videography) did an amazing job capturing all the special events. We felt very welcome not only as vendors but as guests by everyone there.

The ceremony was at Victory Church in Lakeland, FL and the reception was at the Lone Palm in Kathleen.

Highlights:

• Harry & Shannon Acevedo’s son, Davin, is 2 years old— he wasn’t even born when I met these two– how time flies!
• Very energetic introduction with a remix of Beegees with Lil Jon, Boom Boom Pow, and Right Round!
• MERENGUE!! NEED I SAY MORE?
• Lots of interaction without bordering on cheesy!
• My wife was there– despite her injured knee, she couldn’t lift anything up, but she handled the music very well! (I love working with her.)

Package Chosen:

• Entertainment Coordinator
• Extra Extra Extra Bass
• Uplights in Pink
• Extra Hour

It truly was a party– check out the many iPhone photos and videos, soon! As soon as I get footage from Tim, I’ll make sure to share it!

My setup… the pink uplights look orange thanks to the iPhone’s cam.

Cocktail hour arrangement… pretty hearty! Ha ha– get it? GET IT?

180+ people!

Preppin’ before guests arrive.

Uplights behind the candy buffet.

A beautiful cake by Karen (from Lakeland).. the tiers were THICK!

Everyone went for the Dove Chocolates!

The limo arrives. As you can imagine, the curb was NOT made for a limo that long to pull up. My eyes tell me this is a Lincoln conversion, judging by the chassis. Either way– it’s absolutely beautiful.

Dancing begins!

Tim, the videographer, getting his roll on!

Erica dancing with Anthony (the ringbearer).

As you can (slightly) tell, the uplights threw a hue of pink around the room!

Tim watching me DJ.

Monica, myself, Erica, and Matt.

And a YouTube video!

Erica & Matt– I wish you both the best! See you in church.. we love you guys!

I personally use a computer with a controller, and I can tell you I can outmix anything I could do with CDs or Turntables.

With this thought in mind, take the following at note. I went skating today, which means I busted out my raggedy, dying, need-to-replace skates– they still work… and they probably do better than 80% of the skates out there. Quality never dies, lol. The DJ there uses Microsoft Windows Media Player. 

We always make fun of him, but not because of his choice of DJ software, after all he also uses high-end Denon CD Turntables and always manages to trainwreck his mixes. Even then, that’s not why we pick on him.

The crowd is 99% preteens to teens. I think I’m the only person there that’s old enough to drink, hahaha. Adult night’s are always on days when I’m working so I’m stuck skating on teen night. Many of the patrons are jam skaters (people who skate to the beat of the music and have set routines).

The DJ doesn’t read the crowd very well: he played rock songs NOBODY recognized (not even I), rap music with profanity, and obscure music that made everyone shrug their shoulders. Of course, when it came time to make announcements everyone ignored him as there was little respect for him. His attitude could’ve been a bit better– unless you were a single girl, you were not going to get any kind manners from him.

Since he would rather stay outside or talk to girls, he ignored the 10 second gap between each song. We watched in amazement as people kept leaving the floor.

Here’s why we laugh: he calls himself a DJ.

With the description I have given you, would you call him a DJ?

No?

So why believe anyone who says they’re a professional DJ?

Where’s the proof?

Don’t ask a DJ what he uses to mix with– that’s irrelevant, what’s important is his style.

• Does he read crowds?
• Does he take requests?
• Can he mix the music with a smooth transition that will keep the appropriate level of energy on the floor.
• Can he earn respect on the microphone?
• Will he be too busy flirting with girls to do his job?
• Is he courteous to everyone, including those who are less than pleasurable to talk with? (I’ve had my fair share of those)

I’ve also had the delight of talking to an amazing bride who’s doing very thorough research. As a matter of fact, she may be reading this right now. We’ve communicated several times, and even though she likes our company, she’s still researching before she makes the decision! Right on! If she chooses us, I know that she’ll be 100% confident and appreciative of what we will offer for her wedding day.

She has also gone as far as asking for proof of the DJs availability. Whether it’s YouTube, a DVD, or any form of video. Peter Merry’s Book The Best Wedding Reception… Ever!, talks about how every DJ should have a highlight reel (or numerous ones) as well as UNCUT footage. I can take the worst wedding DJ and make them look phenomenal on tape– it’s all about editing skills– so ask for raw footage.

As the aforementioned bride has done, ask for proof of MCing style. While the wedding you see may not be your wedding, a good MC should be able to shape your style into the event.

Is this a shameless plug for our company’s YouTube page? Well– yes… but many DJs in the area have videos, too. Remember, ask for real event footage, not testimonials (really, who will post a BAD testimonial), not demo reels (people dancing with music layed over), and not a generic reel. Ask to see their MCing, mixing, and interaction with the crowd.

Don’t ask to see them at an event… if they say no, it’s because they don’t want to invite people to someone’s special day, not because they’re hiding something.

One last thing– EVERY DJ can provide proof of their work. Even if they don’t have someone to film every event, they’ve worked with a videographer at some point. That videographer can provide a sample video. There’s just no excuse.

After all, you wouldn’t buy a cake just because it looks pretty on a photo without ever tasting it.

After speaking with the SGA about their concerns with their last DJ and dance, I knew we had the perfect recipe to take it to the next level. Adding Thrill da Playa from world-famous group 69 Boyz was the extra special ingredient that really stirred the night. (You can tell I’m hungry as I write this, lol)

The setup was beautiful and was going to utilize our dry ice “dance on the clouds” system with our starfield laser (the original Blisslight, not a cheap knockoff laser). However, complications with acquiring a fire permit would not allow the use of that. CCHS was not worried, they knew that we would still deliver an amazing light show without haze and help carry their theme without the dry ice.

That we did!! We worked our butts off to make sure every corner of that room was lit! Even if all the lights went off, we had enough black lights to illuminate every part of the ballroom. It looked great!

Dinner was fun as we entertained the students using a very customized playlist and entertainment “secrets” we use to keep everyone on their toes. You’ll see in the first video how loud the room got when we announced that it was time to dance.

A mostly Hispanic school, we played reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, and sprinkled in a few bachatas. We didn’t deny the large Jamaican population as we played smash hits like Dutty Wine, Signal Di Plane, Follow Di Leader, and my personal favorite: Welcome to Jamrock.

A surprising big hit of the night was *N Sync’s Bye Bye Bye. Don’t believe me? Check out the YouTube video!

This was my last prom for 2009, but the 4SO tour continues on to many other schools.

So click below and see all the photos we took as well as some video highlights. They’re short videos!

The setup before the big moment. No skirt on the screen because the screen was 8′ off the ground, so the skirt looked silly, lol.

A small part of our very large video rig.

Buttons and knobs and my headphone cord.

Several, SEVERAL lights were hung 22′ accross.

Interaction during dinner.

The floor packed: INSTANTLY. That’s what happens when you get it wit DJ CraziAce.

Our video operator: Nate Dogg.

Chevy and Derek popped in to help out… this is Chevy with Thrill and the HB Frat.

This is Derek, sportin’ the pimp hat.

Nate…

..And wifey and me.

With the exception of this photo, Monica took the photos as well as did the thankless job of being the stage manager.

“Hit dat bass!”

“YEAHHH!!”

You can see our scanners splashing color all over the room. The blacklights accent everything perfectly while our floods enhance the overall effect.

Derek, Chevy and I jammin’

They look amused, don’t they.

See the guy in the hat? That’s David– he was awesome all night!

David had NO issue dancing right by the bass!

You know I’m tired when I’m SITTING DOWN. I never sit!

BUBBLES!

SLIP-RESISTANT BUBBLES!

ShamWOW! lol

And now the videos!

The first one is prom highlights:

Next we have the concert:

And last but not least just a couple more highlights.. a short 3 minute video.

A big thanks goes to the prom sponsor, Alexander Gutierrez, and the staff and faculty of Cypress Creek High School.

YEEEEEAAAAH!

This was done at the Wauchula Civic Center. The decorations (which were stunning) were done by the students, parents, and faculty.

It was a slow start, like last year, but once they were in it was blown out of proportions. The haze really made the lasers pop.

Check out the video and leave a comment!!!

There is one really cool thing we have to talk about: the surprise concert. My boy, Thrill da Playa (from 69 Boyz) joined forces with the 4S0 2009 Prom Tour and we merged tours together for a few special clients– this one being the first. The place went INSANE! The staff, teachers, admins, and all the kids danced along with classics such as “Tootsee Roll, The Train, and Fresh Prince of Bel Air” as well as his new hits “Good Girls, Ery’Body Rock, and Slide.” OH YES THIS WAS A BEAST!!

Another cool surprise was Bob Moore Entertainment. Bob is a great friend and a swell entertainer– he brought  in his new toy. A graphics laser system. Watch the videos for amazing shots!

In the VIP room we adorned it with black lights. That was all that was needed. Mr. Casey and his committee did a great job with the room setup.

Trust me when I say no nightclub in Florida has what Club 0Nine does. NONE WHATSOEVER. I feel sorry for the prom next door.

Package chosen: Custom, but here’s some small details.

• Overhead truss setup
• Giant disco ball
• Intelligent light show featuring 50+ lights
• Starfield
• Haze (didn’t set off the fire alarm, of course)
• Concert by Thrill da Playa (for booking, call us at 877-994-4200)
• VIP Room setup with black lights and separate sound system.
• Custom designed logo projected on wall
• Custom website for shoutouts and requests
• 2 Custom Commercials
• Shoutouts from music artists
• Graphics laser
• Yours truly lol

Photos stolen from Kelly’s blog and the videos are of course mine.

Over 50 light fixtures, this was one amazing light show!!!

I was resizing the “lighting stage” to make sure the lights hit each spot we wanted.

Stars… everywhere!!

Black lights make the pillows glow in the VIP Room

All of the above photos show off the the Laser Skywriter, wonderful fixture, thanks Bob!

Thrill Da Playa with the HB Fraternity … bringin’ old school back!

Again– this was absolutely beautiful!

Over 500 Students, our dance area couldn’t contain them. They spilled over all the place past the floor.

Thrill … The Man, the Myth, the Legend! He added 500 hundred loyal fans tonight!

After Thrill left, I knew I had some big shoes to fill– these students wanted MORE!!!!

Thanks again to everyone: Thrill & the HB Frat., Bob Moore, the 4SO Crew, and of course Hudson High School’s Prom Committee!!!

Now videos!

The first one is a “preview” of the light show, as well as a review from Mr. Casey

The second video is the first half of prom.

The third is the concert.

And the fourth is the last hour.

I tried doing just one video– but I promise there’s too much I can’t skip!!!!

LEAVE COMMENTS!!

Choosing from our most popular series of packages, the Showstopper, this Orlando school chose one of my favorites, the Showstopper³. Featuring over 70′ of trussing and a 20′ wide screen; (not diagonal people, 20′ wide)!!!  The lightshow was amazing… I won’t delve too much into technical details but let’s just say you HAVE to watch the video!

Freedom is a very unique school; despite the urban population, the students LOVE techno, pop, and dance music… with the usual Rap, Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, and Reggae.

A couple highlights:

• Worked with the new Principal, Dr. Borders. A very nice person to work with and very eager person to help create an amazing prom.
• Ms. Light (the sponsor), did an amazing job finding a great balance between DJ, decorations, and location. This really was a perfect event!
• Complete DJ thing next: Almost 300 amps of power to play with!! I only needed 100, but the extra was always welcomed.
• 20′ screen.. need I say more?
• Very little grinding thanks to high energy mixes and 1000 glowsticks!!
• The kids did the Hokey Pokey– I kid you not… it was remixed in with the new dance craze, Stanky Legg.
• Mr. Youtz did a GREAT job with the Senior Superlatives… there were some unique categories!
• My crew! My wife (Monica), Derek and Ray are amazing workers who put 1000% into this job.. no matter what it takes!
• The ending!! Watch Part 2!!

Enough blabber.. watch the video & photos! I LOVE this school!!!!! CLICK BELOW FOR MORE!!

Photos were taken with my wife’s new phone…

The brains of the whole setup… my main rig which controls music, on the right is my Mac which serves as backup and also a sound board for remixes. On the left (not seen) is the rig that controls the lights.

The trussing on the right…

The trussing on the left….

A big zoom in of a small portion of the big light show

Derek (on my left), myself, and Ray. My wife took the photos.

The party begins!

We design our light shows with safety in mind. Even with the lights off (for dramatic moments such as announcing King & Queen), our blacklights flood enough light to allow the administration to view everything comfortably.

By the way, if you have a newer PC, hit the HQ button on the YouTube video… YouTUbe always darkens the videos.. it was a lot brighter than this!

The wedding started at the Hollis Gardens in Lakeland, FL. The ceremony was highlighted by two gentleman singing. Nathan sang Kenny Chesney’s Me & You while uncle Roy sang “I Do (Cherish You).” Wow.. they’ve got a set of pipes on them!

As for the reception, the catering was amazing!! Chef Terrie Lobb (who makes exquisite edible treats) reminded me why I love this job.

Fast forward to the reception: the sound was amazing. The Sorosis Building (also known as the Junior League Center) has nothing but wood paneling on the walls. Can you imagine what that does to the already-rich sound of my BOSE system? Oh yes, sound was at a perfection. The acoustic panels guaranteed NO echo or harmful reverb.

You have to check out the video located in the break below. Jenny, with KC Enterprises Photography, did a great job with the photos as always!

Highlights of the day:

• Great singing during ceremony
• The grandfather being the life of the party
• Everyone dancing to Soul Man
• The ending song

Package chosen:

• Entertainment Coordinator
• Ceremony System
• Monogram

So check out the photos and videos at the link below! Leave a comment if you enjoy what you saw, please!

Ceremony was beautiful!

The amazing BOSE sound system provided enough sound without pulling away from the beauty that is the Hollis Gardens.

Grand Entrance– very unique!

Terrie Lobb’s amazing display. The palm tree is made from shrimp! MMmmm….

Each table was elegantly laid out….

Our system was cleverly hidden using plants that Jen & Josh provided. The sound was NOT affected!

The monogram!

Wiki-wiki-ing!

Dancing would not stop!!

Derek, my assistant, always does a great job coordinating and keeping an eye on the technical things while I focus on the music.

This, too, can be your DJ! lol

Don’t get me wrong– it’s never “all about the DJ” but who doesn’t like photos of cool equipment?

An overall view of the room before the party started.

This gentleman here was the life of the party! I hope I can be that full of energy when I’m his age. He really made the night!!

He did a great job doing the worm!

Josh shares some special father/son time. His son was adorable and was fascinated by the DJ equipment. I gave him one of my LED lights that we use as flashlights.

More dancing!

A great bouquet catch!

And now.. the replacement.

Bob, the videographer, was invited to enjoy some of the most delicious groom’s cake we’ve tasted!

Yes.. we were rockin’ out hard!

Monogram up close.

Myself, Jennifer, Josh, and Derek (his DJ name is now DJ Dent… long story, haha).
Check out the video below!!!

Kristen came to us wanting an elegant lighting package; she was very worried that the lights would make her reception look like a nightclub. After she saw the D’elegance lighting setup, she knew that would never be the problem. The lights were set up so discreetly, you could barely see them until they were turned on!

They chose their uplights to be solid white, to keep the contrast at a minimum and have the centerpieces pop out a little bit more.

To make a long story short, this crowd knew how to party… they danced the entire time.. even as they were walking out for the grand exit!

As usual, were did the ceremony as well for Lake Ashton. Aside from the music, we coordinated the entire thing, so Kristen and Bobby were able to enjoy their own special day.

You have to click below to check out some awesome photos from the wedding, provided by the best photographer known to weddings: KC Enterprises. I’ll post their blog up, soon!

Package chosen:

• Entertainment Coordinator
• Ceremony System
• Static Uplights: White
• D’Elegance Lights: Custom

The ballroom, notice how you can barely see the speakers and the light show on either side of the stage.

The lights in action!

Cupid Shuffle!

My wife, Monica, and the photographer, Jenny, from KC Enterprises photography!

And alas, an AWESOME video!

Christine and Blake wanted to have a good time… whether people danced or not wasn’t their main concern as much as it was making sure that everyone left with a smile on their face.

My wife and I enjoyed setting up, there was a member of Lake Ashton practicing for the talent show… he blessed us with his talents on the piano playing songs from Van Halen’s “Jump” to Queen to Disney… for the first time ever, I asked for a request!

The emotion flowed through Lake Ashton during the ceremony, Christine and her father, Davis, were so excited that they shared tears of joy before David escorted his little girl down the aisle.

The reception was  a blast! The photographer, Sofia (http://www.PhotographyBySofia.com), was a lot of fun to work with and I hope to be sharing some of her photos here soon! Christine and Blake worked really hard to plan their special day to make sure their guests felt special, too… and I think they achieved that goal!

The uplighting was awesome… we designed it to change colors throughout the evening…. during dinner, they alternated between their wedding colors.
Check out some great iPhone photos as well as a cool YouTube video. The lighting setup was elegant (no trussing, no ugly tripods, but it flooded the room with color… even the uplighting changed color according to mood!)…. YouTube doesn’t do a great job of keeping the video as bright as it was originally, so click the HQ to see a better quality video.

Package chosen:

Entertainment Coordinator

Colorchanging Uplighting

Light Columns

Dance Under the Stars

D’Elegance Lighting

Ceremony System/Coordination