Before You Say I Do

Sunday, January 8, 2012

{Vendor Spotlight} Discovery DJ's of NY

;
;
      

I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Wright at the November Thursday Therapy mixer. I immediately noticed that he was friendly and professional (best qualities when working with a vendor). I also saw him in action this past Friday at Franklin Plaza and he was with out a doubt amazing! Chris can definitely set the ambiance for your wedding while assuring that everyone is having a great time. I would recommend Chris 100 times over to be the DJ at your next wedding or event.
Thank you Chris for allowing us to get to know you and your business a little better!


Please give us an overview of your business:
Chris Wright’s Discovery DJs Of New York is a DJ Service based out of Ballston Spa, NY. We primarily focus on weddings, but we are very adept at any and all events.  We take great pride in being professional, organized, detailed, and selective. In the infancy of the business, it started out in bars, nightclubs, and private parties. This tidbit is important because even today as we entertain more elegant events such as weddings and large corporate events, I never forget, nor minimize, how important it is that I reach the youth with Top 40, Club-Style remixes and energy.
How long have you been in business?
I have been a DJ since high school, but when I was in the military, I was asked to DJ at the base clubs.  I continued to do this for many years. In 1997, I did my very first wedding in Virginia Beach, VA. From that moment, I decided that this is what I wanted my business to be.
How and why did you start your business?
I was already a DJ, but I had no idea how to make it a viable business. I did not understand the inner workings of the industry; legalities, the booking process, or how to find customers. So I accepted a job with a local multi-operation DJ company in Virginia Beach. They pretty much hired anyone who had a desire to DJ. They booked events and farmed us out to the unsuspecting customer. No training, improper equipment, and no idea of an agenda. After seeing the disapproval and disappointment several times from customers, I decided that I could do this so much better than even the “professional” company that was contracting me out. I wanted to do it the right way. I wanted to make a connection with my customer and befriend them; make them feel important. And mostly, I wanted to show up to their event prepared, organized, and be a professional throughout the process. That is why I started this business.
How would you describe your style?
I describe my style as Professional, yet fun and personable.
When you are not working you can be found......
Social networking, web-surfing, hanging with my beautiful wife and daughters, coaching my youth girls basketball team, attending my daughters sporting and arts events, mingling amongst friends, entertaining at my home with dinner and small parties.
What or who inspires you?
I am mostly inspired by my own failures or shortcomings.  Michael Jordan once said, “I never missed a shot that I didn’t take”. I truly live by that mantra. Others might look at my life and say that I’ve failed often at various things; business, family, relationships, and career. I but look at all of that as life experiences and learning as I go. I’m sort of a rogue when it comes to life. I have never followed a select or detailed path. And the end of the day, I have met up with and have equaled people who have taken a more traditional path. People who are driven to be successful also inspire me; however they measure success. As long as I see them working towards a goal and accomplishing something in small steps towards that goal.
Do you have any funny wedding stories to share with us?
Not really. A funny wedding story, many times was a result of a nightmare of sorts for those involved; especially the bride. I’ve seen some embarrassing moments and some very unappealing moments, but out of respect for those involved, I will keep those moments private.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Yes. With regards to entertainment, remember this; you are hosting an event in celebration of your wedding day. Make sure to keep in mind that you are there to entertain your guest. It is important that as you plan your reception and select music, that you keep all of your guests in mind; young and old. Although you may not like certain music selections, it does not mean that you should deprive your guests of that fun. Talk to your DJ.  Ask him what music is popular. What gets people excited? What keeps the dance floor full? You might cringe at some of the song titles they mention. But remember, a DJ does this job week in and week out. And they know what works. A professional like myself will do whatever you ask us, even at the risk of hurting the party. But I will make suggestions, before and during the event. You might say, “No line dancing songs!”. And then 8 of your guest might request the “Electric Slide”.  For the sake of your party and the memories, photos and fun, you should probably let that song play. Remember! You are the host and the guest of honor. Make sure your subjects have fun!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Yes. Thank you. I want to reiterate that I work for my customer. I put a lot of stock in consultations and communication from the date of hire, all the way to the event. I see my customers as partners and friends. I like to become personal with them. Become their Facebook friends. Have them follow my page as well so that they can see my travels and how I interact with my customers both past and present. I want them to know that they can be comfortable having their parents call me and make suggestions or ask questions. When I get to the event, I am a trusted partner and friend. 
 Phone: 518-441-4535. I take calls and text. 


Cocoa and Clementine: A Trunk Show

:
:
Make sure to check out the Cocoa and Clementine Trunk Show at The Pink Orange! To RSVP please click HERE



Friday, January 6, 2012

Annual Wedding Day Coordination Contest




Bellissimo Weddings & Events is holding our annual wedding coordination contest. We will be giving away a Piccoli Package (month of coordination) to one lucky couple.Please see contest rules below. GOOD LUCK!!!


How to enter:
Send an email to BellissimoWeddingsNY@gmail.com  with the subject line “Month of Coordination Contest” with the following information:

•Couples Name
•Contact Information (phone and email)
•Wedding Ceremony and Reception Location (s)
•Wedding Date
•Wedding Website (if applicable)
•Additional wedding information such as your vendors, theme, color scheme, etc.
Please tell us your story about how you fell in love, your engagement, details of your wedding and why you should be chosen as the winner.
 
Prize Package:
PICCOLI PACKAGE worth $1,500
Your work is done. Vendors are selected. Flowers are chosen. Favors purchased. It's now time to hand over the responsibility to someone else so that you can spend your time celebrating and absorbing all of the touching, emotional moments that encompass your wedding day. With Bellissimo Weddings & Events, you can rest assured knowing that your wedding professionals are behind the scenes orchestrating the details, managing the vendors, and averting crises before they occur. How nice to know that you have experts devoted to ensuring that your wedding day is perfect!
 
Month of Coordinating Package
Referrals and Advice: Upon hiring Bellissimo Weddings & Events, we are happy to provide you with unlimited venue and vendor referrals, as well as etiquette advice.
Detail Meeting: 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding, we will meet again to develop your wedding day schedule, review vendor contracts, wedding decor, ceremony order, and all other wedding details. Then we will do final site visits at the ceremony and reception sites.
Circulate detailed Schedule of Events to all necessary parties (vendors, wedding party, etc.)
Vendor liaison: Confirm vendors' timing and contractual obligations
Handle all outstanding issues with vendors
Review seating lists to ensure accuracy
Provide maps and directions to locations if needed
Attend and orchestrate the wedding rehearsal
Coordinator to manage wedding day
Direct wedding set-up according to diagrams (chairs, tables, linens, cake table, etc.)
Placement of all personal items provided by client (programs, favors, place cards, guestbook, menus, toasting flutes, photos, etc.)
Guest Liaison: Direct guests to various locations, answer questions, etc.
Pin flowers on family and attendants
Direct and cue all vendors, as well as distributing final payments and gratuities to vendors
Manage the day's events (cuing bridal party, review schedules with vendors, maintain timeline, direct guests, etc...)
Event day troubleshooting
Transfer items from ceremony to reception sites
Orchestrate Bridal send-off, if necessary
Collect all items from ceremony and reception sites for safekeeping until delivered to hotel room or designated friend or family member
Bridal Emergency Kit
 
Rules:
•Entries must include the above information along with a photo of the couple.
•Wedding must take place in the Capitol District/Saratoga region
•Wedding must take place in 2012 or 2013 and is subject to our availability
•Entries must be received by 11:59 EST on February 1, 2012.
•Limit one entry per couple
•The couple must be at least 18 years of age or older
The winners will be selected on February 14, 2012. The selected entrants will be contacted through email or telephone. Three attempts will be made to contact the winning couple, after that which another entry will be chosen. In the event that a selected entrant does not comply with these Contest Rules and Regulations an alternate entrant will be selected from the remaining entries. The chances of winning are dependent upon the total number of eligible entries received. The prize must be accepted as awarded and cannot be redeemed for cash.
The winning couple cannot be contracted with any other wedding planner/coordinator.




Popular Posts