What is your most memorable wedding?
That’s easy . . . it was mine.
My wife and I wanted to ensure the whole day was full of music so we had a band in the afternoon, a pianist during the wedding breakfast, then another band and DJ in the evening. As a musician myself, some of my friends played and I also joined in for a few songs during the evening.
We cut down on other things to ensure we had the budget for the entertainment, it was the right decision as everybody loved the music.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Professional, experienced, reliable, organised, musical
What about your business are you most proud of?
That’s easy, the reviews I get back from customers. There is nothing better than when a couple say you made their day and how much their guests enjoyed the evening.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don’t choose your DJ by price alone, take the opportunity to speak with a few DJs and get to know them, understand why they charge the amount quoted and what is included, this will also give you a chance to get to know them so you are more comfortable in making a choice.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Slippers ! Yes, at one wedding the Bride Groom provided slippers (like you get in a hotel) for the ladies who had been standing up and dancing in high heels all day.
I think they all fell in love with him, as he was so considerate, he really set the bar high for all the other future bride grooms at the wedding that day.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Firstly it is important to understand the basic information such as date, times, location and any other services required, that way I can prepare a quotation for the Wedding. Occasionally there are specific requirements which need to be built into the costs such as early arrival times, specific equipment and lighting, difficult access to the venue, power, etc.
I will then walk through the quote with the couple and explain everything. This is a great chance to discuss the day in a little more detail, talk about music tastes and also share ideas and adjust the plan and quote.
Once the quote is accepted I will send an email confirmation with all the details and take a deposit.
I will then contact the venue to discuss the wedding and go through all the safety and legal requirements with them. If a venue visit is required I will arrange this at this point.
Closer to the event we will set up a call to go through a comprehensive check list which ensures we have everything finalised for the day such as the music for the first dance, special requests and announcements etc.
Couples like to work in different ways, I am always flexible and happy to accommodate phone calls, meetings etc.
What makes a romantic first dance?
To be honest I don’t like to put pressure on couples to make the first dance romantic. The first dance should be whatever you want it to be . . . romantic, fun, silly, whatever suits your personality.
. . . but if you do want romantic, pick a song that you both love, look into each others eyes, hold each other close and ignore everybody else just have 3 minutes to yourself.
What is your number one floor-filler?
Each wedding is different, and so is every crowd. The skill of a good DJ is to read the audience and to play the music which will fill the floor throughout the evening not just for one dance.
Which band from the past would you most like to have been part of?
One of my favourite films is The Blue Brothers and I love the music. The musicians in that band were all legends.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
My father was a musician and I was very lucky that his musician friends would bring me albums to introduce me to great artists and bands. In 1980 I was give an album called “Tiger in the rain”, by Michael Franks. This was contemporary R&B and I fell in love with it. It is very chilled out and relaxing and great to unwind to, especially in the early hours of the morning driving home from a great Wedding.