29Mar

Turn Down for What!? | Fun Wedding Receptions

By, March 29, 2016

After you’ve exchanged rings, and sealed the deal with a first kiss, it’s time to party! The guests have been well fed, perhaps with a cocktail (or two) and are ready to cut loose. At this point in the evening, there are many ways to get everyone in a festive mood.

For a little inspiration, we have pulled some of our favorite reception photos from recent weddings. There is a little something for everyone, including a high-energy live band, spontaneous breakdancing, and a grand sparkler exit. So let’s get this party started!

Bride and Groom stand in crowd and kiss during wedding reception

At Alison and Kevin’s wedding (above) at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the couple surprised their guests with an all-out performance. Backed by a full band, their show-stopping routine featured go-go dancers, dramatic lighting, and bursts of confetti. Within seconds, the party came alive, and guests got on their feet to join the excitement. In moments like this, we love being in the middle of the action, capturing all the energy in the room.

Guests are entertained during wedding reception with grand exit and live performancesGroom takes shot and has money throw at him during wedding reception

We also love when couples throw a few personal twists into their day. For example, the photo above shows our own staff photographer, Billy, during his reception at the Ultimate Skybox in Downtown San Diego. Paying homage to his Greek roots, Billy performed a traditional Zeibekiko dance for guests, and finished with a shot of ouzo. Adding special moments like this keeps the reception festive, while also paying homage to centuries of family tradition. Opa!

DJ plays music and performs for guests at wedding receptionWedding Guests form dance circle during wedding receptionFun, live band perform for guests during wedding receptionAerial view of outdoor reception overlooking city lights

While covering the must-have photos, we also like to explore creative angles and views of the reception area. For example, we captured the photo above by hiking to the roof of the O’Donnell House in Palm Springs, CA. From that vantage point, we were able to achieve this aerial shot of guests at Chelsey and John’s wedding, as they enjoyed the beautiful evening and dinner.

Bride serenaded by band of musicians during wedding receptionWedding Couple have fun posing with photobooth propsWedding guests being entertained by live band performanceBride and Groom celebrate during new year's eve wedding

Planning to have a photo booth during your reception? Borrow a few props and get your groove on! You just can’t beat a dance floor populated with captain hats, oversized glasses and fake mustaches, like at Courtney and Andrew’s New Year’s Eve wedding at Sunset Temple.

Close-up of DJ's hands using digital padLive band with guitarist playing during wedding receptionBride and Groom pose and have fun in photobooth Experimental photo of DJ playing during reception

We wanted to show the DJs some love too! To capture this photo from Jennifer and Jason’s wedding at Hotel del Coronado (see above), we used an experimental technique of slowing down our shutter speed and dragging the image. This allowed the natural light of the equipment and market lighting to take on new form, creating a cool frame around this mixmaster.

Wedding Guests jump into pool during wedding reception

Working up a sweat from all those fresh dance moves? Cool off with a jump in the pool! When we saw these fellas at Arianne and Julien’s wedding inching towards the water for an epic set of cannonballs (see above), our photographers were quick on their toes to freeze the action.

Colorful dancers perform dance at wedding receptionPerformer plays guitar while guests party at wedding receptionGroom prepares to throw garter during wedding reception

Hut, hut…hike! Get a little creative with your garter toss and throw something the guys will want to catch! At Darlene and Jeremy’s wedding at Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, the groom had fun putting a modern spin on this old tradition. By wrapping the garter around a football (go Chargers!), the groom prepared to hike the ball to this buddies for an epic garter catch showdown.

Groom is lifted in air by guests for hora dance

End the night on a high-note…literally! As Ashley and Tyler celebrated their reception at Park Hyatt Aviara, a few close friends swept Tyler off his feet for a fun surprise Hora towards the end of the night. The Hora dance, originating from the Balkans, comes from the words “round (dance)” and “celebration,” and is usually spontaneously prompted by guests. Because we had positioned ourselves in the middle of the excitement, we were able to capture this up-close angle, including Tyler’s priceless reaction.

Couple make grand exit using glowsticksLive performers throw performer in air as confetti goes off

Looking to get your own party started? Click here for more unforgettable moments and reception ideas :)

17Aug

Vendors We Love: Sound Prodigy

By, August 17, 2015

Vendor Type: Disc Jockey
Why We Love Them: High-energy personalities with serious ‘get the party started’ skills
Did You Know? DJ Pat and team can create full-color laser shows at your event. How cool is that?
What’s New: “With 19 years wedding experience, we are keeping things interesting with our new entertainment concept, Mobile Groovin Bus
Things Pat Loves: My family, Disney / Pixar, Music, Pizza, Weddings

Please enjoy a selection of our favorite images from recent events we’ve worked together. Click here to see more!

SP1SP2SP3SP4SP5SP6SP7SP8

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24May

Music Phreek DJ & Lighting Recaps Whitney and Dustin’s Pala Mesa Wedding

By, May 24, 2012

Music Phreek DJ & Lighting has always been about the clients’ needs and wants. No ideas or suggestions are too far fetched.  During a couple’s wedding, they’re relying on me to take them on a musical journey and trust that I’ll make every effort to ensure their music is spot on through each part of the day.

My music library is extensive, encompassing a vast array of genres, and everything is “radio friendly” so no music is compromised. All of my sound and lighting equipment is top notch and my pricing structure can accommodate most budgets. I’m inspired by each and every wedding I do because they’re all unique, just like my set list must be. I put a lot into making sure that every detail of each event is mapped out with the best music selections to fit my client’s style and personalities.

Pala Mesa wedding with music and lighting by Music Phreek DJ & Lighting

My favorite part about working with Whitney and Dustin was their attention to details. All three of us meticulously selected just the right music from their ceremony and cocktail hour music to the dance songs that kept everyone on their feet all night long!

Pala Mesa wedding music and lighting by Vynce Pham of Music Phreek DJ & LightingPala Mesa Wedding with lighting and music by Music Phreek DJ and Lighting

Upon meeting with Whitney and Dustin for the first time, they expressed to me how important the lighting and music would be for their wedding. Colors would be imperative to make sure that the mood was set for lively and romantic evening of celebration. We were able to use battery powered LED uplights in places where wired ones just wouldn’t be feasible. The waterfall that was behind their sweetheart table was an ideal spot for some plum purple to accent them in this amazing moment!

Music Phree DJ for wedding at Pala Mesa Resort in FallbrookPala Mesa Resort Wedding with lighting and music by Music Phreek

Pala Mesa Resort is a great canvas for lighting because it’s all white,  so our uplights illuminated the entire tent, even while the sun was still up! The look we wanted for Whitney and Dustin was elegance during dinner, so we started off with a light lavendar color.

San Diego Wedding Photography of tent with purple lights by Music Phreek DJ and Lighting at Pala Mesa Wedding

As the night progressed, we changed the uplights in the tent to a plum purple to give the venue a party atmosphere. It lent itself well from the time Whitney and Dustin cut their wedding cake through the open dancing.

Bride and groom cut the cake with purple uplights during wedding at Pala Mesa with music by Music Phreek

As a DJ, it’s always nice to have the guests come up to show you their appreciation. It makes the job that much more fulfilling!

Pala Mesa wedding music and lighting by Vynce Pham of Music Phreek DJ & Lighting

Dance, dance and more dance!! There were so many people on the dance floor, that some guests were forced to just dance by their tables. Whitney and Dustin gave me an extensive music list of what they and their guests liked but allowed me to have the creative freedom to mix the music in my own style…”DJ Phreek” style, including top 40, hip hop, club hits and my own mash-ups.

Guests dancing at Pala Mesa wedding with music by Music Phreek DJ and Lighting

My favorite part of working in the wedding industry has to be the many wonderful people who’ve allowed me to be a part of their most special day! As the entertainment, you have a responsibility to make sure that not only the guests but the bride and groom are on cloud nine the entire course of their event. Music can evoke so many emotions and being a DJ, I get to set the tone by selecting just the right combinations of songs.

Bouquet toss during wedding at Pala Mesa with lighting and music by Music Phreek Pala Mesa Wedding with lighting and music by Music Phreek DJ and Lighting

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