We said goodbye to one of our finest this past week. Eric Mitchel has been working for us since 2008 and has been a great friend to have around!  Most people know him as one of the photo booth attendants–the “good looking one”.

After over a year of training and testing, Eric is going into the Navy SEALS training program next week.  We’re gonna miss this guy.  All of us knew that being around Eric meant laughing every day and talking about anything and everything.  He is a constant joker and a real person rolled into one.

Everyone close to him had a chance to come out to a party that we threw in his honor.  Rhonda Baker of Precisely as Planned was kind of enough to lend a hand and plan all the details of the event.  Stacey Pinkney of Simple Moments Photography helped us with these beautiful photographs.

The event was held at the Tastefully Yours Catering house on Dooley in Grapevine.  Chef Andrew Huszar prepared a three course meal for us and made sure to incorporate some of Eric’s favorite tastes.

RSE crew and alumni from left to right:  Randal, Brian Coatney, Joe Nagel, Mathias Carthen, Greg Michaels, Eric Mitchel, Tri Noensie, Thomas Charuvila.

Here are more pictures showing the rest of the party:

Sarah is a wonderful lady and we received a call from her to interview for her wedding. Sarah was a bride to be that had seen many weddings including those that didn’t go the way she would have expected. To that end, there was quite an interview process for her. In fact, I think she said the total number of disc jockeys she had met with in the Dallas/Fort Worth area reached a total of seven.

SIX disc jockeys met with Sarah and none of them said what she wanted to hear. How is that even possible? Well, I can tell you how. There are a ton of disc jockeys in the area but the list of true professionals is short.

What was she looking to hear? How much of a “bridezilla” was she? All she wanted, her simple request was that this wedding was her wedding, not about the disc jockey and their “shtick”. Who wants cheap jokes, shtick and party games at a beautiful wedding?

Every wedding we do is different. That is the beauty of people. Yes, there are some commonalities: an introduction, first dance, welcome, dinner, cake, toasts and maybe a garter and bouquet. But other than that, each wedding allows a couple to show their personality. Sarah and Chris wanted elegant. Sarah’s parents wished for formal. So that meant playing some American songbook music during dinner and being a minimalist on the microphone.

Funny thing, when I met with Sarah to go through the details of the reception, we found that things may not be as conservative as were lead on. She wanted the same music that I enjoy playing at the more “party” type of weddings, she just wanted me to play it without being one of those dreaded DJ’s who are talking all the time and sounding like a cheese-ball DJ. You’ve seen them before–the guys who bring the blow-up guitars and have conga lines and whatever else. No problem, because that isn’t what we do anyway.

The result, a beautiful wedding at a beautiful facility and gorgeous pictures…  Thank you Sil Azevedo of Sil Azevedo Photography for being a dream to work with and sharing these with us.

Here we go:

Introduction of Sarah and Chris.

First dance.

Dad’s heartfelt welcome. Nervous or not, he did a wonderful job. One more word and he would have broken down in joyous tears.

Father/Daughter Dance

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son

Cake Cutting

The end of a well thought out thank you speech from Chris and Sarah.

Sarah cutting a rug.

The boys getting a little close on a fellow groomsman.

Getting our groove on with some new hits.

The view of the dance floor from behind the scenes.

Just a little lighting on the dance floor and how much different it makes the room look.

Happy ending.

Thank you to Chris and Sarah for letting us help with your wedding day!  Thank you for trusting me to fulfill your wishes.

Wedding Vendors:

Photography:  Sil Azevedo of Sil Azevedo Photography
Floral:  Bella Flora
Reception Facility:  Brook Hollow Golf Club

Kristyn Hall contacted us about helping with Summer and Paul’s wedding and we were ecstatic!  In fact, Summer and Paul trusted Kristyn’s referral of us so much, they booked me sight unseen.  Not unheard of, but just shows the trust that Kristyn has with long-time friend Summer.

Kristyn Hall with Event Elements was the planner on this extraordinary affair!  She transformed the main hall at The Modern Art Museum with the help of Tami Winn of Tami Winn Events and yours truly on lighting.

Photography provided by Tracy Autem of Tracy Autem Photography.  Thank you for these beautiful pictures, Tracy!

Videography provided by Adrianne Porcelli of Turquoise Video Productions.  We can’t wait to see the finished product!

Ready?  Here we go!  A collage showing many of the details including the designs on the walls and the uplights we placed around the room to make this a platinum wedding.  Seeing the “S&P” monogram we projected onto the dance floor was truly spectacular.  One of Tracy’s crew took the picture of the S&P from the catwalk above!  Awesome!

Here we are, seeing the grandeur of the main hall of The Modern, here in purple with the design flourishes we projected onto the walls to provide an intimate scale.

Tami Winn created this beautiful calla centerpiece for the sign-in table and we were told in no uncertain terms, light it!  Here, shown pinspotted.  It stood out as the welcoming sight as guests arrived.

After a cute introduction which culminated with Summer and Paul waving to us from the catwalk above, they descended the staircase and joined us on the dance floor for the first dance.  Pardon my French, but nothing is more sexy than a white dance floor.  Except a white dance floor with a huge monogram on it!

First Dance

After dinner, nothing gets the party started like the hora!

There comes a part in the hora where we hug.  Tightly.

Father/Daughter dance

Cake Cutting

Grandpa’s hug at the toast.  In my days, I’ve seen it all, but grandpa is a preacher and a well spoken one.  His words were of such poise and character, it showed the level of class that each member of the family truly has.  I will remember it forever.

Toast

Nothing says love like a great big group hug at the end of the last dance.  It’s my signature.

The icing on the cake is giving Summer and Paul a few minutes to enjoy each other’s company with a private last dance before we send them off to the limo.  Look beyond them to see the beautiful head table that Tami Winn created plus the lighting we provided to show it off.

Bubbles bubbles everywhere!

The modern is amazing, albeit a challenge.  From the close of business we usually have about two hours to transform it into what you see here.  For that reason, we always have to bring extra crew.  Definitely worth it!

Thank you to Kristyn for inviting us to be a party of it!

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner:  Kristyn Hall of Event Elements
Photographer:  Tracy Autem of Tracy Autem Photography
Floral:  Tami Winn of Tami Winn Events
Reception Location:  The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
Videography:  Adrianne Porcelli of Turquoise Video Productions

We got the call from Sarabeth Quattlebaum to meet with Emily and Shelby about their wedding reception!

Emily and Shelby were all about the party and we could tell! They are OSU alumni who wanted to make sure the party was on…

Sarabeth Quattlebaum of Sarabeth Events was their wedding planner and she did a wonderful job of design, planning and transforming the Top of the Town room at the Fort Worth Club for their reception. The room looked amazing with custom linens, floral from Marian Moskalik of Antebellum Design, lounge furniture from Sonia Dominguez of DFW Lounge Rentals and lighting from yours truly.

Amy Karp and the crew of Amy Karp Photography were the photographers and it’s our thanks to Amy for giving us the pictures to post here. We love us some Amy.

All right, first up!  Let’s get these people introduced.  Tonight’s lineup included bringing in all the bridesmaids as the “Bride’s Team”.  Here were are, individually announcing all the lovely ladies.

The groomsmen received equal treatment.  Here are all of the boys in the “Groom’s Team”, putting on a show as we call them out.

Can you tell Emily was ready to party?  Here they come to the dance floor lined with all their adoring crowd.  Sit down at one of my weddings?  Never.

The end of the first dance complete with Shelby’s mad dance skills.

Dad takes a twirl next.  Two minutes of a nice prim and proper dance and then we bust out into medley of rap and top 40.

Does dad look worried?  He’s the ham that taught Emily how to be one.  Note the custom monogram on the dance floor.  Sarabeth gave us the design that was created for the invitation and we were able to duplicate it.

Happy mama dancing with her baby boy.  Yes, he’s taller than her, but Shelby is still her baby.  Moms understand.

After dinner, all were ready.  A little prompting and everyone gets out there.  When a wedding is run properly, you don’t have to worry if people will dance.

Later on, we got to see more of dad’s dance skills.  A little birdie told me that he knew how to “clog”, so we put on the appropriate music and witnessed greatness.

You know you make we wanna SHOUT!

Backwards cap can mean only one thing:  frightened white people.  Here the boys teach us out to dougie.

Emily brought it too!

Sorority sisters being girlie.  Cannot forget the sorority song.

Bouquet toss with dramatic lighting.

Garter toss with drunk cowboy.

Yep, he won.  With arms that long, he had to.

What a good looking couple!  Emily and Shelby, thanks for letting me help with your day!

And again, here I am downstairs helping make sure everyone made enough noise as we wished these two off to an awaiting carriage.

Thank you, Sarabeth for giving me the opportunity to help!

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner:  Sarabeth Quattlebaum with Sarabeth Events
Photographer:  Amy Karp with Amy Karp Photography
Reception Location:  Fort Worth Club
Florist:  Marian Moskalik with Antebellum Design
Lounge Rentals:  Sonia Dominguez of DFW Lounge RentalsWedding Gown and Bridesmaid Dresses:  Bliss Bridal Salon

We got the call from Rhonda Baker to meet with Frank and Lauren about their wedding! What a sweet couple! Lauren and Frank were very laid back, looking for their wedding to be a lot of fun and wanted their families and friends to be able to get out there and dance the night away.

That’s the client I’m looking for!  Someone who has emphasis on the party being a party for everyone.  The stage was set:  a great wedding planner (Rhonda Baker), a great photographer (Simple Moments), a great location for their reception (City Club of Fort Worth) and what would become an epic party!

Below are some wonderful pictures, compliments of Stacey, along with some explanation for each:

First up, their first dance.  It actually starts with an introduction.  If you’ll notice, everyone standing around the dance floor.  I hate it when people are sitting down or not paying attention.  We’ve been waiting for this moment! So, we ask everyone to gather around the dance floor and cheer as we introduce everyone.  Lauren and Frank are the stars and after being introduced, made their way to the dance floor for their first dance.  This one was choreographed by our very own dance instructor, Greg Michaels.  Greg makes everyone feel comfortable and teaches either basic dance steps or an actual routine for the couple.

Then time to eat, followed by dancing dancing dancing, cake and toast.  Toasts that are actually heard.  Pet peeve of mine.  This one brought down the house.  Dad was extremely emotional (he’s waited a few years to say these words!)

This shows the emotion.  Not a dry eye in the house during the Father/Daughter dance.

Frank and his mother were a little more lighthearted.

And Step-mom needs to be shown off too!  Frank twirled her around the dance floor.

Then, the party.  This is what we’re famous for.  A wedding can be beautiful, formal and classy…  But there comes a point where it’s time for the after party to begin.  Usually this starts after the cake cutting.

Yep, these beautiful ladies are lined up for the bouquet toss.

And these bachelors are lined up for the garter toss.  Lauren maintained her prim and proper composure.

And finally, it’s time to wish them off.  We scooted everyone outside to where the carriage was waiting to wisk Lauren and Frank into the wild blue yonder.  Just a few minutes left while everyone gets lined up, so a private last dance for them.  Romance at it’s finest.

Also here, the perfect opportunity to see the way the room looks with our lighting.  Frank and Lauren wanted some uplights against the curtains in City Club, plus their last initial “L” on the dance floor.  With me as the disc jockey, we were able to change the colors against the curtains during the evening.

And then finally, we wish them off to the awaiting carriage.  My reason for showing this?   When there is a wedding planner, such as this wedding with Rhonda, her team helps get everyone downstairs and puts the bubbles/sparklers/rose petals into the guests hands.  When I’m the disc jockey, I lend my voice to making sure everyone is ready to go and get them cheering as the couple makes their way through the lines of people.  Rhonda has a voice and will use it, but why not have the M.C. do what he was hired to do.  :)

Fantastic reception!  Thank you to Lauren and Frank for letting us be a part of it.  The thank you letter really made my day!

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Planner:  Rhonda Baker with Precisely As Planned
Photographer:  Stacey Pinkney with Simple Moments Photography
Ceremony Location:  Robert Carr Chapel at TCU
Reception Location:  City Club Fort Worth

DFW Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Fair on Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Lewisville

Join me and RSE and fifty other wonderful wedding vendors for the DFW Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Fair happening this Sunday, February 26th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewisville.  To register, follow this link:  http://dallas-ft-worth.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/10209/

I will be there, showing off our newest DJ setup, the touchscreen system and talking to all the fabulous brides.

From the Picstrips.com side of things, we will have a photo lounge setup and be showing off the new iPad instant upload option.  Bridal fair attendees will be able to have their pictures made and instantly upload them to their Facebook, Twitter or their e-mail.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Instant is now even faster!

We have added more “instant” to instant gratification.  Add the instant upload option to your photo booth or other photography related product booked through our company and guests are now able to:

• E-mail the pictures they just took to themselves and up to three other friends.
• Post their pictures directly from our iPad to their Facebook profile.
• Tweet their pictures using Twitter directly from our iPad.
• All of this in seconds!

When you add the instant upload option, we include an internet connected iPad and software that allows guests to be able to do these uploads right on the spot.

This works with all of the Picstrips.com photography products, including our beautiful photo booth, the white hot photo lounge, green screen photos, candids or event photos taken by one of our roaming photographers, or red carpet photos taken by one of our paparazzi photographers.

Call 817-410-8399 or 214-206-1724 to add this option to your photo booth today!

The members of American Association of Certified Wedding Planners have nominated me for the “My Favorite Vendor” award for 2012 in the disc jockey category.  This is the third year in a row that I have received the prestigious honor of being nominated, and won the award in 2010.

Members of the AACWP vote to decide which of the people in the area they enjoy working with the most in all categories, including favorite venue, photographer, florist, disc jockey, live band, lighting and many more.  Nothing feels better than the planners themselves nominating you for their own version of the academy awards, let me tell you!  There are usually  three nominees per category.  If you think about the number of professionals in our area, just getting nominated by group is such an honor.

The award presentation will be held in late February at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel.  We will be there, ready to see all of our friends of the AACWP and hopefully take home the award!  Thank you to all of the planners that we have had a chance to work with over the past year.  It is because of you that I get to do what I love to do and make it a living.

Success to all of us in 2012!  Let’s help those brides!

We received a call for the marketing firm responsible for many political events in the North Texas area to help with a fundraiser that was held in Fort Worth for Texas State Senator Wendy Davis.

The revitalized Magnolia Green Park in Fort Worth was the location. David Husbands with Rental Stop provided the tenting and power for the event.

RSE provided audio for the entire program including wireless microphones for the presentors and band FOH for Sarah Hickman, who performed on our stage. Plasma screens were hung in the room for guests to be able to see the videos shown during the presentation. Lighting included ambient lighting in the tent and stage lighting, both intense color lighting for the musical performance and corrected stage wash for promotional pictures during the presentation.

RSE worked hand-in-hand with the marketing team running stage, music and lighting cues. From small meetings to large general sessions, we can handle your event. Please call 817-410-8399 to speak with Randal for more information.

We received a call from Pillar Hotel and Resorts to help them with an event they had coming up at one of our favorite places, Austin Ranch in Grapevine.  Apparently they had a less-than-pleasant experience with the disc jockey they had last year and wanted to make sure that their awards banquet and party were over the top.

Enter us… We’re not just a “disc jockey”!  In speaking with our client, we were able to determine where the short-comings had started–there wasn’t enough planning with the last party.  To that end, we figured out what they wished to accomplish and came up with a program that would more than over the top!

In my opinion, awards presentations need to be done right.  That means:  we need to be able to hear the person who is presenting, we need to know what the award is about and we need to be able to make a lot of noise when the winner is announced.  To that end, we make sure that there is a script ahead of time.  Then we choose the right music to bring each recipient up and make the evening run flawlessly.  Picture the academy awards–they have a high level of production value, and so should any awards presentation.

Pillar decided that they wished to have a talent show for their employees following the awards presentation.  Not just any type of talent show, this one ended up becoming a mash-up between America’s Got Talent and American Idol.  The managers were game to be a part of the show and we ended up having someone to play the role of Ryan Seacrest and for judges, someone to be Simon, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.  Not only did they play the part, they dressed the part, which took the event up several notches in fun for the employees.  When management types play along, it really inspires their employees.

What was even better, out of a group of 200 people, there were nearly 25 employees who participated in the talent show.  That is an incredibly high percentage of participants for the total number of people!  There were solo acts, duos, and several group acts.  Some were comedy, some were singing, and some were acting skits.  You can tell by the video that they really took this seriously–after all, there was $1000 on the line–$500 in cash and $500 in the form of a donation to their favorite charity.

Talk about the ultimate in team building!  The entire company is going to be talking about this party until next year, when we do it again.

Thanks Pillar for letting us help and be a part!  Our thanks to Colin Shubitz of Camera2Productions for helping with the video and providing us the demo reel!

If you are interested in having a spectacular corporate party for your company, call us at 817-410-8399 or 214-206-1724 and lets start planning!