For religious reasons, many of our clients have opted to have dry weddings.  No problem.  We have even played music for clients where there was no dancing – again for religious beliefs.  But Cynthia and Anthony were not having anything.  There was some background music piped in through the house PA.  One of their church friends actually acted as MC and she did a wonderful job.  She introduced the couple, invited people up to say toasts or blessings.  They even had about a 1/2 hour of people coming up to offer newlywed / wedding tips which was really cute.

Then there was the photo booth and our lighting.  At first guests were a bit shy.  No one wanted to get dressed up when they went in for their photos.  Some didn’t even really smile.  And with most crowds, it only took one person to break out of their shell and the party came alive.  One woman grabbed the pink wig and purple boa and went strolling into the main room and people broke out laughing!  We had a line for the photo booth the entire time there after.

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

Over the past 20 years we’ve performed at numerous weddings at The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa. So, we are not strangers to this facility.  We’ve also taken care of many of the employee parties and events hosted by The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa.  Also, my wife and I have spent many romantic weekend getaways here, dining and relaxing in quiet comfort.  Needless to say, we’ve always been well taken care of by the staff, either as a vendor or a guest.

The renovated bar and restaurant look spectacular.  The restaurant, with fireplace and fish tank, is now called Fresh Salt and is touted as “One Of The Best Restaurants In Old Saybrook, Connecticut with splendid views of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound”, plus now a full view of the Marina.  The Bar area and the outdoor patio area, with fire pit (also overlooking the Marina) is breathtaking.  Don’t take my word for it… check it out yourself!

Thanks to fellow Brit, and my good friend, Paul Merchant, Banquet and Audio Visual Manager, for the personally guided tour.  Pictures of the renovation work can be seen on The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa Facebook page.

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

Eva – Body On Mine (Dave Aude Radio Edit)

Katy Perry – Part Of Me

David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj – Turn Me On

Afrojack And Shermanology – Can’t Stop Me (Afrojack + Buddha Radio Edit)

Chris Brown feat. Rihanna – Turn Up The Music (Remix)

Selena Gomez And Scene – Love You Like A Love Song (Dave Aude Radio Mix)

Jessie J. – Domino (Funk3d Club Remix)

Avicii – Levels

Far East Movement Feat. Justin Bieber – Live My Life (Party Rock Remix)

Flo Rida – Good Feeling

David Guetta feat. Usher – Without You

Rihanna feat Calvin Harris – We Found Love

Lucas Prata – First Night Of My Life

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (7TH Heaven Radio Edit)

Dennis Naidanow – Shuri Shuri (Let’s Get Loco)(Bodybangers Radio Edit)

LMFAO – Sexy And I Know It (Remix)

Mia Martina – Burning (French Version)

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

The highlight of Wedding Biz, for me, was the first session where 5 real brides were invited to be on a panel. Donna asked them some great questions and here’s what stuck out for me.

Here’s my Top 10 list highlighting what these real brides had to say:

1. The brides said that very, very few of the wedding professional’s websites they went to were good. Some even implied that none of the ones they saw were any good. (ouch!)
2. If they didn’t like your website, they checked you out on Facebook. (is your business page ready for Prime time?)
3. They specifically searched for you by name, they weren’t just randomly searching for someone in your market/category. (surprise)
4. They weren’t interacting with your Facebook page, rather they were looking for photos of recent events you did. While they were mostly talking about reception venues and photographers, I asked they specifically if this applied to other categories and they said, Yes!
5. If they didn’t see anything more compelling on your Facebook page… they went on to someone else.
6. They will look for and read your blog, keep it up to date.
7. They were looking during work hours and said that if you have music or videos that play automatically, you’re getting them in trouble at work.
8. They all set up a new email address just for their wedding info.
9. They want you to be more conversational in your emails with them.
10. They don’t use Twitter.

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

• “L”  Series Lincoln Town Cars for a more intimate experience
• Six Passenger Black Lincoln Limousines for that more formal theme
• Eight Passenger White  Lincoln Super Stretch Limousines for the more traditional theme
• Twenty Four Passenger party buses for those with large bridal parties
• Ten Passenger shuttle vans for smaller guest shuttle requirements
• Thirty One Passenger Executive Shuttle Buses for the medium sized guest shuttle requirements
• Forty Seven and Fifty Five Passenger Motor Coaches for larger guest shuttle requirements

• Bachelor and bachelorette Parties
• Rehearsal Dinner Transportation services
• Wedding party transportation services
• Wedding guest Shuttle services
• Honeymoon Transportation
• Wine Tours as a day before or day after activity

www.gatewaylimos.com 

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

The picture is perfect in your head. You stand with your bridesmaids waiting to marry the man of your dreams. The bridesmaids are all identical in height, hairstyle, dresses, shoes, and jewelry…until you get together with your girls and realize that your sister is 5 feet tall, your bff is a tall redhead, and you college roommate is a buxom blonde.

Time for a little out of the box thinking!

Mix it up: Not all styles and colors are flattering for every woman so consider offering your girls options. Many designers have numerous styles in the same color or the same dress in different hues that can complement any color palette. Consider the body styles of your party, strapless and form fitting is not the best choice for everyone, so be sure to pick a style or styles that flatter everyone.

Cloning? You may think that that you need to have your bridal party with the same hairstyle, jewelry, shoes, and makeup remember that while you want them to stand up and look pretty, you asked them to be a part of your Big Day for the unique traits they bring to your life. You want them to complement your wedding like they complement you life; with their subtle differences. Offer suggestions on accessories but don’t assume they want to look exactly alike.

The LBD: There is nothing like a Little Black Dress. Functional and fashionable and it allows for you to really get creative with flowers and accessories.

Long or Short? That is the question. Gone are the days of every bride outfitting their party in long gowns.  Short dresses will work for both the casual outdoor receptions and the black tie evening affairs. More important is to consider fabric. Cotton sundresses for an evening wedding may not project the intended theme just like a taffeta mini would be out of place for a garden reception.

“You can wear it again!” How many times have these words been uttered to a bridesmaid? Many designers are embracing this quote and designing dresses that are not only comfortable and functional, but they really are great for a cocktail party. Pick a dress with pockets so your girls have a place for their lip gloss and most importantly, choose a style that you would be happy to wear.

“No one wears white except for the bride!”  Not true! Outfitting your bridesmaids in white dresses is no longer taboo. A neat cotton white shift with bouquets of wildflowers is the perfect compliment to a garden reception and will bring a touch of modern flair.

Always and Forever

www.always-and-foreverweddings.com

(860) 301-1177

info@always-and-foreverweddings.com

Twitter: @Afweddings

Facebook

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

1. Plan ahead: You’re planning everything else associated with your wedding, why not your first dance? Ideally you should begin practicing 6 to 12 months ahead of time.

2. Turn to professionals: Learning to dance is surprisingly painless. If you can’t afford private lessons at a local studio, look around for group classes (high schools, colleges and community centers often offer courses). Or, buy an instructional videotape -learn at home and avoid the worry of looking awkward in front of others.

3. Have options: If you are undecided about your first song, or can’t pick one, check the list of wedding dance songs available on this site. Try practicing to two or three different songs that both of you like, and choose the one that feels most comfortable.

4. Less is more: You need not dance to the entire song (remember, dance professionals don’t). Your DJ can cut the song or your band can play a shortened version…..or you can even just have it fade out. Bottom line: you’ll look better dancing for two minutes and doing five terrific moves, than dancing for five minutes and doing twelve poorly executed moves.

5. Decide on a song version: Once you’ve picked a song, make sure your DJ or band knows how you want to hear it. For instance, don’t assume your band will play the song just like the Frank Sinatra CD you’ve been practicing to. It’s a good idea to give them a copy of the version you like, or to get a recording of their version, so that you are practicing to “the real deal.”

6. Think about where you’re dancing: If your wedding will be outdoors, install a dance floor – it’s pretty hard to spin in mud. Or on grass. If the dance floor at your reception hall is smaller than your bathroom, maybe you’d better rethink that waltz – it takes up lots of space. Try to practice in a space that’s similar in size to your reception hall.

7. Think about what you’re wearing: If you have a mermaid dress you’ll look terrific. You’ll also be taking very tiny steps…. bear that in mind when you plan the first dance. Similarly, if you have an off-the-shoulder gown you won’t be able to lift your arms over your head………consider that before you put in all those spins.

8. And speaking of what you’re wearing: practice your dancing as if it’s the big day. Grooms: wear a jacket and dress shoes. Brides: wear a long skirt, (unless you’re planning that mini-wedding dress!) and your actual wedding shoes. This will accomplish two things: it’ll break your shoes in, and it will give you a sense of security about your ability to manage them come the actual reception. If you’re worried about getting them dirty, protect them with an old pair of athletic socks.

9. Don’t expect perfection: Nobody at your reception is anticipating that the two of you will put on a show. You’re not a professional dance team – and if you are, why are you reading this?! While the two of you are learning and practicing, you are bound to make the occasional mistake. Just stop, talk it out, and try again.

10. Express yourself: Know your own comfort level, and that of your groom. If you don’t like a song, don’t dance to it! If you don’t like a certain move your instructor shows you, say so. (Be polite, though!) It is, after all, your day and your dance. If you are happy and comfortable you will look wonderful, so that should be your goal.

Meredith Stead is co-owner of Shall We Dance Studios in New York City. She and her husband and partner, John Knapp, released the instructional video ”Preparing for Your Wedding Dance” in January 2002. In addition to holding several competitive titles, they served as choreographic consultants for Broadway’s Original Swing and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s Dance Party of the Century.

© Meredith Stead

Shall We Dance, Inc

Email the DJ Network to request further information and for us to check our availability.  Be sure to provide us with your mailing address, phone number, wedding date, event location and the number of guests that you are expecting.  Thank you.

www.thedjnetwork.com Link with us on Facebook

Members of the DJ Network:  www.keithalan.com www.atmosphere-productions.com www.RobAlberti.com

Providing:  Connecticut Wedding Entertainment, Massachusetts Wedding Disc Jockey Services, Wedding Up-lighting, Event Lighting, Karaoke Entertainment, Sweet 16 DJs, Bar Mitzvah Entertainment, Fashion Show Lighting.

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