Tag Archives: Fantasy Sound Event Services DJ

How To: Factor in the Guest Experience

From the moment you get engaged, your loved ones will be going out of their way to express their excitement and joy about your impending nuptials with bachelor/bachelorette, engagement, and bridal parties. Return the love by enhancing the guest experience at your wedding with all of the bells and whistles that will wow your guests. Check out these great ideas to help you design a wedding that amps up the guest experience!

Photo by Lyndsay Undseth Photography

Song Dedications
When creating your wedding invitations, include a space for guests to dedicate a song to you and your partner with their RSVP. Let your guests be as romantic or playful as they choose with their requests. The DJ can include the songs in a special request hour during the reception or play them throughout the night. Either way, ensure that those who have requested a song receive a special shoutout from the emcee!

Photo by Bridal Guide

Mass Transportation
Give your guests a memorable ride to and from the wedding. Deck out a trolley, wagon chariot or give your guests a tour of the city with a double decker. Get everyone pumped up by supplying a little pre-wedding bubbly and a rocking playlist to go along with their ride. Mass transportation allows your guests the opportunity to bond and the freedom to party hard at the reception!

Photo by Lyndsay Undseth Photography

Signature Cocktails
Signature cocktails don’t have to be reserved for the bride and groom. Honor your guests by creating signature cocktails for each table at the reception. Keep in mind who will be seated together and create a drink that will represent everyone’s personalities. Your guests will be thrilled to order up their own signature cocktails!

The guest experience can make or break your special day so it’s important to put on a show that will wow everyone. Give your guests an experience that will send your wedding into the record books!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Party Add-Ons For Your Reception

Wedding receptions are a venue for guests to let loose and celebrate the union of two newlyweds. Sure, music will be the main source of entertainment, however there are other party add-ons that can enhance your soiree. You’d be surprised by what your DJ could contribute to the reception besides turntables! There are also many companies that offer unique rentals. Elevating the guest experience is what the reception is all about so don’t forget the add-ons!

When deciding on which party add-ons to include during your reception, make the DJ your first stop for suggestions. They are, of course, your entertainment experts! Some DJs are able to throw in fully customizable photo booths with their packages. Couple this with a trunk full of props and you will have another party on your hands! Outside of photo booths, ask about your DJ’s lighting services. Custom monograms and uplighting can completely transform the look and feel of your reception.

Photo by Jennifer Skog

After you have sorted out your lighting and photo booth options, set your sights on party rental companies that offer concession items like snow cone and antique popcorn machines. These are an excellent way to keep your guests satisfied between the ceremony and reception. No one can resist the aroma of freshly popped kernels!

Photo by Brides of North Texas

Lastly, what’s a party without games? Move the celebration outside with a few rounds of horseshoe or corn hole. If going outside isn’t an option, set board games or puzzles on each table. Whichever avenue you choose, your guests are sure to have a good time breaking the ice with a little friendly competition.

Photo by Rustic Wedding Chic

End your wedding night with a bang by throwing a reception that your guests will never forget. You can’t go wrong when you pack great food, music and party add-ons into the ultimate wedding experience!

Melissa and Drew’s Vineyard Wedding

We had so much fun working with Melissa and Drew, so it was quite the enjoyable recap when Events by Satra shared her take of the special wedding! Wente Vineyards played the striking backdrop for their vows and we just loved designing the lighting and creating their solid wedding mix. Oh, and be sure to check out that breathtaking cake! Tune into the full blog post here.

The Fantasy Sound Difference: DJs

This is the fifth chapter of The Fantasy Sound Difference series. The first chapter highlights our drapery services, the second chapter highlights our chandeliers, the third chapter highlights our gobo washes, and the fourth chapter highlights our spotlights.

When it comes to a great wedding, it’s hard to argue that there’s anything more important than good, quality music. If you look back at the weddings you’ve attended, we’re willing to bet most of your memories are on the dance floor! Whether it’s the cheeky announcements or the perfectly crafted playlist, a wedding DJ is often what brings the entertainment to the reception. Read on to see what sets Fantasy Sound DJs apart from others!

Photo: Nightingale Photography

Two for one
When you book a DJ with Fantasy Sound, you’re not only getting a disc jockey but also an MC (aka a Master of Ceremonies)! That’s right – you don’t need to bribe your brother-in-law to make announcements throughout the night and you certainly won’t have to worry about guests not knowing what’s happening next. Our DJs are highly skilled at being MC and are happy to take over both roles.

Photo: Blueberry Photography

Ceremony included
Quit worrying about the ceremony – there’s no need with Fantasy Sound! Our DJ packages come fully equipped with a ceremony sound system, as well as a microphone for the officiant. Bet it feels good to check that off the to-do list!

Photo: Tyler Vu Photography

Practice makes perfect
We’re proud to have built a solid team of DJs, each with over 15 years of experience behind the turntable. You can trust us – we’ve been doing this for quite some time and we’re pretty sure we’ve seen everything out there. Go ahead and try us. 🙂

Photo: Ultra-spective Photography

It’s all you
When it comes to song selection, we are strict believers in personalization. We don’t have a generic playlist that we play for couples who don’t care (although we’d be happy to create one for you!) – instead, it’s entirely up to you! Whether you want to pick and choose the whole night’s repertoire, share some favorite artists or genres, or leave it up to us, we guarantee that your wedding night playlist will be crafted just for you.

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Photo: Dana Todd Photography

Let’s be friends
Some DJs deal with couples over the phone or email and some couples even prefer it (we get it – you’re busy!). We’re not really like that, though… We believe that building a relationship with our couples is the number one way to really tap into their musical preferences and provide them with their perfect night. We like to meet at least two times before the Big Day, just to really get to know you – and we hope you’ll get to know us too!

January Events

With the new year upon us, we want to get to know you! Whether you’re getting married next month or in 2020, we’d love to hear more about your special day. Stop by and say hello or give us a call!

Photo: Danny Dong Photography

Join us this month at our DJ Meet-and-Greet on January 30th, from 10 am to 12 pm. We hope to see you there! For more information and registration, please RSVP here.

November Events!

Wow – let’s take a minute to really soak in that it’s November. We’re all a little shocked at how quickly 2015 is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love the holiday season. In fact, we’re crazy about it!

Share in our holiday cheer this month at our DJ Meet-and-Greet on November 21st, from 10 am to 12 pm. We hope to see you there! For more information and registration, please RSVP here.

How To: Scale Back When You’ve Gone Over Budget

So you’ve gone a bit over your budget for the wedding – it’s okay, really! You and your partner are not the first and will certainly not be the last couple to go a little overboard with wedding expenses. The key to budgeting for your wedding is knowing where to indulge and where you should be trimming the fat. A few scale backs here and there will have you back on budget in no time and one step closer to your dream wedding!

Invitations
Who doesn’t love a fun DIY project! Make your own wedding invitations and save the date notifications in lieu of outsourcing. There are tons of great companies, like David’s Bridal and Canva, that will allow you to create stunning invitations online that won’t break the bank. What better way to invite guests to your wedding than with invitations designed with your own personal touch!

Photo by Dear Pearl Flowers

Flowers
If you find yourself having to scale back on wedding expenses, it wouldn’t hurt to look back over your floral budget. When trying to save pennies, staying in season with your floral selections is key. For example, having peonies at your October wedding may not be the best idea considering that peonies typically bloom in the springtime. Consider whether or not there are other areas in your budget that you would prefer spending the extra money it would cost to import out-of-season florals. Also, think of alternatives like garden roses or opting for more greenery in your floral arrangements. Your florist will be the very best expert to turn to and help guide you with creative options.

Reclaimed Barn Wood Wall and Monogram Letters

Photo by Rhee Bevere Photography

Food
There are a plethora of options when it comes to your wedding menu and it is important to weigh them when scaling back in your budget. For instance, having a buffet instead a formal sit-down dinner may be more cost efficient. You won’t have to worry about supplying a wait staff or costly table décor because guests will be spending a considerable amount of time traveling between their tables and the buffet. Lastly, reconsider the type of food you will be serving. Try opting for lighter finger foods over a full three-course meal. Not sure what’s the best fit for you? Touch base with your caterer to brainstorm ideas!

Photo by I Love My Planner

Entertainment
Scaling back doesn’t mean your wedding entertainment has to suffer. If the band you booked is stretching your budget a little thin, think about going with a DJ instead. Booking a DJ is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. Wedding DJs not only provide music, they can emcee and supply lighting for the reception.

Planning a wedding may not always go according to your pre-planned budgeting goals. However, there are endless ways to scale back and still create the same wedding experience you envisioned from the start!

How To: Break the Ice

Wedding rehearsal dinners are a time for reflection and bonding with loved ones. However, the family and friends of the bride and groom may not be familiar with who they’re bumping elbows with at the dinner table. A lively session of icebreakers is guaranteed to relieve the awkward silence and tension that often occurs when families initially come together. Most of all, icebreakers inject fun into getting to know your future in-laws, which can be a considerable feat for some.

http://www.colincowieweddings.com/articles/engagements-celebrations/rehearsal-dinner-101

Credit: Colin Cowie Weddings

Take note of these icebreakers while planning your rehearsal dinner to help get both sides of the family well acquainted ahead of the big day.

Introduction ABCs
Start the rehearsal dinner with a clever twist on humdrum introductions. Have each guest introduce themself by stating their name followed by something they love that starts with the first letter of their first name. However, there’s one condition – each person has only five seconds to complete their introduction.

http://thebridesdiary-diy.blogspot.com/2011/11/chalkboard-placemats-from-sandf.html

Credit: The Brides Diary – DIY

Bride and Groom Trivia
See who knows more about the bride and groom with a game of trivia. Split the guests into groups that contain members from both the bride and groom’s family. Next, have the bride and groom call out a series of statements that may or may not be true about themselves. Keep track of the number of statements each team correctly deems true or false in order to crown a winner at the end.

TIC-TAC-XOXO
Keep the conversation going in between meals by placing heart-shaped tic-tac-toe boards on the dinner table for guests to grab at their disposal. This classic game will allow guests to fill awkward downtown with friendly competition and great conversation.

http://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-photos/inspiration-boards/rehearsal-dinner-decor/i/0c56c668d8803db0-0e1075dadb1eae7f/a6c717f56b1d7983

Credit: Wedding Wire

Name That Baby
This icebreaker is great for smaller rehearsal dinners with enough room for everyone to get up close and personal with each other. First, request that each guest bring a baby picture to the rehearsal dinner. Upon arriving to the rehearsal dinner, everyone will place their own picture into a hat or bag. Each guest will then take turns drawing a baby picture from the hat or bag and trying to match it with the correct person.

Remember that rehearsal dinners are a time to celebrate the union of a man and woman as well as two families. So get past the awkward stage of meeting new in-laws and have fun with icebreakers! The bride and groom will have a much easier time getting down the aisle with the support of two families that love one another.

Instagram Roundup!

With wedding #hashtags abound, we get so excited to see all the juicy pictures captured by the guests at our couples’ weddings. We cherish each and every one of our couples, so we can’t help sharing a bit of love for them! Take a peek at some of our favorite #weddingpics from September!

Maryjane and Chris

https://instagram.com/p/7l-oAGmgm3/?taken-by=sarburr

Angelique and Daniel

https://instagram.com/p/7n7iWEpvFk/?tagged=alvarezlovestory

Alana and Don

https://instagram.com/p/7jlcDDjAlV/?tagged=herecomethestaanas

Viclaire and Joven

https://instagram.com/p/7eY9xJmlSd/?tagged=happilyever_jvsoriano

Congratulations to all of these happy couples! Thank you for including us on your special day and we wish you happy lives together! 🙂

Amelia and Brett’s Palm Event Center Wedding on Every Last Detail

We’re in love with our latest wedding feature on The Every Last Detail! Amelia and Brett’s purple, California wedding was a total eye-catcher from the vibrant bouquets to the stunning views of the Palm Event Center vineyard. We’re so grateful to have been the DJ for the newlywed’s special day. Click here for the full feature with photos by Blueberry Photography!

October Events

Can you believe it’s October already? We’re a bit in shock at how quickly 2015 is going by, but we’re surely having fun with it! This month, we hope you’ll join in on the fun and come out for our DJ meet-and-greet on October 17 from 10am to 12pm. It sure would make our day to meet you!

Kirsten and Tobey’s Glamorous Wedding at Casa Real

We gave you a sneak peek at Kirsten and Tobey’s big day a few weeks back and we couldn’t wait to share! This Casa Real wedding was unforgettable and we were delighted to be a part of their special day! Read on for all the juicy details…

Elegant crystal chandeliers lit up Kirsten and Tobey’s ceremony area, along with their delicate selection of floating candles in glass vases.

Crystal chandeliers also played a part in the reception, as did a soft GOBO print wash on the dance floor. Kirsten, Tobey, and their family and friends made great use of the dance floor (lots of happy, sore feet at the end of the night!) and we loved having the opportunity to DJ for them! Their playlist was on point and even the guest requests were lots of fun. 🙂

Congratulations to this incredible pair – you two are an inspiration to all and we wish you all the very best! Here’s to you, Kirsten and Tobey!

Our deepest gratitude goes out to Jessica Angeline Photography today for sharing these awe-inspiring photos!

How To: Select the Right Vendors

When it comes to your wedding, it’s really the vendors who can make or break the Big Day. With your inspiration and direction, your vendors will take your ideas and design the wedding of your dreams, so it’s important to pick out the best of the best! In a world where Google knows all, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the multitude of options out there. One way to pick out some solid vendors is to ask for referrals from your venue or planner if you’ve already selected them. Usually, they have a list of vendors that they regularly work with and can vouch for their performance (and have an ongoing rapport)! Read on for some considerations while choosing the best vendors for you and yours.

The website
While we don’t normally contend “judging a book by its cover,” oftentimes a website can speak volumes to the company it represents. Be sure to check for a gallery page or a portfolio that will show their work in real events – a picture’s worth a thousand words, right? (OK, we’re done with the overused expressions!) It’s also prudent to check out the About section, which can generally offer a glimpse at the personality behind the page. If you like what you see, be sure to fill out the contact form with all of your event information!

The communication
You loved their site and you eagerly filled out a contact form, hoping to hear from them as soon as you click submit. The problem is, you don’t hear from them for close to a week – maybe even more. If that’s the case, you can most likely cross them off the list unless they have a great excuse (i.e. “Our website was under construction and the emails weren’t coming through” or “Space aliens hacked our email accounts and we couldn’t respond.”) Consider their initial communication with you as a first impression and assume that it will continue to be the same throughout the planning process.

The people
So, you heard back the following day and have a consultation meeting on the books – great! Now is the time to really get down to business and get to know your potential vendor. Come to the meeting prepared with questions and be ready to get to know them as if they were applying to become your best friend. Asking how long they’ve been in the business is a must, but other questions you may want to ask include “What inspired you to be in the wedding industry?” and “What can you offer me that other [photographers/florists/DJs/planners/etc] can’t?”

Sometimes, a couple and a vendor simply connect, which is ideal. Even if you don’t “connect” per se, don’t count them out if you still think they can do a great job on your wedding and will respect your decisions along the way. However, if you’re sitting in a meeting with a prospective vendor and things just don’t seem to be going in the right direction (“is she really filing her nails in our meeting?”), do not be afraid to tell them it’s not the right fit and walk away. There’s just no need to waste your time on something that won’t work.

The price
Unfortunately, cost plays a big role in planning weddings and sometimes the perfect vendor is a bit out of reach. If you have your heart set on a certain vendor that may not fit into the budget, feel free to reach out to them to see what deal they may be willing to make with you. Generally, vendors won’t change their price per service for anyone, but they may be willing to create a custom package for you or cut some of the unnecessary parts of their service to give you a better deal – just be sure to ask! They should want to work with you as much as you want to work with them, so it’s a win-win situation if you can get together to make it happen. If it doesn’t fall into place, there’s no need to fret – there are so many awesome vendors out there who would be honored to be a part of your special day!

When it comes down to it, your vendors (or your “wedding team”) should be enthusiastic and excited to work on your wedding. It is an honor, for sure! While it doesn’t need to be a match made in heaven (that’s what your partner is for!), you’ll want to be sure their personality fits yours and that they are timely and responsible. If so, you’re in luck! Enjoy the planning process with your expertly-curated wedding team and have the best darn wedding possible.

Sneak Peek: Kirsten and Tobey’s Casa Real Wedding

Kirsten and Tobey’s Casa Real wedding stole our hearts – and with good reason! These two were a delight to work with and we’re excited to be sharing their big day with you today. Elegant chandeliers, a custom GOBO print wash, a fun photo booth, and our DJ’s specialty tunes helped turn this pair’s white wedding into a dream come true.

A huge shoutout to Jessica Angeline Photography for capturing such incredible photos! Check out her behind-the-lens view of Kirsten and Tobey’s big day on her blog and tune in later this month as we look at this wonderful wedding.

Exciting News from WIPA!

We are delighted to announce that we’ve been selected as a finalist for WIPA’s 2015 Excellence Awards! We’ve been chosen as a finalist for the DJ category and we look forward to joining all of the other wonderful finalists next Tuesday, September 15 at the WIPA Awards Ceremony at the Wedding MBA. Fingers crossed!

Jessica and Chris’ Palm Event Center Wedding on Wedding Chicks!

Be still our hearts! We’re over the moon to share our latest feature on Wedding Chicks of Jessica and Chris’ wonderful celebration at Palm Event Center. Don’t miss the fun wedding – check it out here!

Kudos to Hazy Lane Studios for the stunning shots!

Visit Us in September!

School buses are warming up, leaves are starting to turn, and the air is getting a bit crisper – that’s right, it’s September and fall is fast approaching! With September getting into full swing, we invite you to our monthly DJ meet-and-greet on September 19, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Dance Floor GOBO Washes and a Custom Monogram GOBO

Photo credit: Tyler Vu Photography

(Incidentally, our meet-and-greet falls on International Talk Like a Pirate Day – so we hope to see you there, matey! Argh!)

How To: Dress Up the Dance Floor

Generally, the dance floor is the spot that gets the most action during a wedding. With people moving and grooving, it’s important to dress up the dance floor without making it difficult for guests to show off their moves. It also plays the setting for your first dance, so it should exude romance! Let’s look at some ways to make a splash at your reception and get everyone on their feet!

Overhead Lighting
Chandeliers and other hanging lighting options can provide an intimate atmosphere, akin to dancing under the stars. It can also offer a wonderful focal point upon entering the reception area – the perfect way to ‘wow’ your guests! These lighting options are classy, while also being functional. Additional lighting effects can be added to increase that ‘wow’ factor, so keep reading for more inspiration!

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12′ x 12′ Crystal Bead Chandelier; Photo Credit: Apollo Fotografie

Candle Crystal Chandeliers; Photo Credit: Dana Todd Photography

Washes
GOBO pattern washes are a wonderful way to customize your wedding and add a special touch to the reception area. These pattern washes can be customized to your preferences and can be projected onto the floor or onto the walls – it’s completely up to you!

Photo Credit: Hazy Lane Studios

Photo Credit: Good Eye Photography

Monograms
Why not personalize your wedding in the ultimate fashion? Custom monograms of your and your partner’s names or initials are a lovely touch and are the perfect addition for that first dance!

GOBO Washes, Uplights, and a Custom Monogram GOBO

Photo Credit: Danny Dong Photography

Photo Credit: rhee bevere photography

Drapery
If there’s one thing that can add drama and dynamics to a dance floor, it’s drapery! Drapery comes in all shapes, colors, and sizes, so there is surely an option to match your chosen theme. As the fabric is quite versatile, drapery can be used in a number of different ways, so it’s time to get creative!

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Photo Credit: Dana Todd Photography

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Photo Credit: Laura Parker Photography

Give your guests a wedding to remember and dress up your dance floor!

August Events

When your wedding comes around, you won’t want to forget your dancing shoes! Are you still looking for a quality professional DJ for your wedding? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Fantasy Sound would love the opportunity to be a part of your big day and we can’t wait to learn more about how we can make it all the more special.

Visit us on August 22 from 10 am to 12 pm for our monthly DJ meet-and-greet and get to know our talented DJs, up close and personal. Want to join in on the fun? RSVP for August’s meet-and-greet here – we can’t wait to meet you!

Amy and Mike’s Dazzling Wedding at Palm Event Center!

We’re crazy about Amy and Mike’s Palm Event Center wedding and who could blame us? From Amy’s sparkling hairpiece and elegant lace gown to the glorious floral arrangements, they had quite the fairytale wedding. We were delighted to not only provide the lighting for their big day, but we also had the opportunity to DJ and provide a photobooth for the lovely couple. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Amy and Mike for including us on such a special day!

Take a peek at the full feature on Lyndsay Undseth‘s blog! We loved working with her and she has quite a way with the lens. 🙂

James and John’s Stunning Palm Event Center Wedding

A huge shoutout to James and John and their fabulous wedding at the Palm Event Center – your love inspires us. It was truly a day to remember, so be sure to read on to see it in all its glory!

The Estate Room was looking extra glamorous for their ceremony and the pair shared vows under a gorgeous crystal chandelier donned with chic white drapery.

The reception area was dressed to the nines with a show-stopping 12 x 12 chandelier over the dance floor and a custom blue GOBO pattern projected on the floor. Talk about romantic!

Oh, and aren’t you just crazy about their custom monogram? We couldn’t contain our excitement when they asked for a San Francisco skyline – we adored the opportunity to share our love for our City by the Bay!

Congratulations James and John on your everlasting love and commitment. We were so honored to be a part of your special day and we hope married life is treating you well!Our thanks go out to Apollo Fotografie for sharing their images with us – they’re phenomenal!

Michele and Matthew’s Casa Real Wedding on Black Tie Bride!

We’re honored to see one of our weddings featured on The Black Tie Bride! Michele and Matthew’s gorgeous Casa Real wedding took a classic gold and ivory theme and turned it into something beyond fabulous. Hooray for stunning photography from Dana Todd Photography!

From our side, we provided elegant crystal chandeliers, as well as a patterned GOBO wash and a custom monogram (to go with the monogrammed tiered cake!), which added to the luxurious feel of their big day. We had the pleasure of DJing as well – we always love serving our Fantasy Sound couples to the extreme!

Check out the full feature here!

Personalization: Crafting Your Perfect Wedding

Anyone can have a wedding – but how many people can say they had your wedding? Well, hopefully, it’s just the two of you and what better way to craft a perfect, unique wedding than to add details of personalization! Let’s take a look at how you and your other half can highlight your relationship throughout the wedding…

Photos
It doesn’t get more personal than including photos at your wedding. Share your love story with your guests and give them something to laugh about! Add in a silly selfie or that candid photo that captures your love – there are so many possibilities!

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Van and Justin included photos of themselves, as well as family members for a lovely touch! Photo by Love in Photographs

Monograms
Monograms are the epitome of personalization – put your shiny, new initials on display for all to see! Even if you’re not changing your name, using your first initials around the wedding is a wonderful way to make your wedding your own (plus they look great in pictures!).

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Molly and Robert stole the floor with their first dance on a custom monogram! Photo by rhee bevere photography

Pick Your Tunes
There’s no need to conform to a pre-planned set list for your wedding. Create a list with your partner of your favorite songs! Perhaps the first song you ever danced to or the song that was playing when you first met – if it means something to you, you’ll want to have it on your biggest day.

Rachel and Shane’s first dance was truly one for the books! Photo by Jennifer Skog Photography

The Little Things
Sometimes, it’s the details that your guests don’t see that can add that extra special touch to your big day. Sharing a secret detail that only you and your partner know about can be the perfect expression of love. You’ll be smiling at each other all night, and you’ll always have that little part of your wedding that was just yours.

James and John hid a little secret in their jackets, just for themselves. -Apollo Fotografia

James and John hid a little secret in their jackets, just for themselves. Photo by Apollo Fotografie

What ways do you plan on personalizing your Big Day? Be sure to share in the comments!

Recap: Ruby Hill Wedding Faire at Casa Real

In May, we were delighted to be a part of the Ruby Hill Wedding Faire & Celebration Under the Stars at Ruby Hill Winery. Today, we’re just as delighted to share the photos from the event with you! Ruby Hill Winery was done up as pretty as can be, with our kudos to Nicole Ha Designs for the gorgeous décor and doing it up big with flowers from The Floral House and linens from Napa Valley Linens!

Our sweet tooth was satisfied by the delectables provided by Gala Bakery and Primrose Bakery – YUM! (Red velvet cake – our kryptonite! Luckily, Danny Dong shot that picture before we got to the table!)It was our pleasure to provide custom GOBO washes and chandeliers for the main seating areas! In collaboration with all of our fellow wedding professionals, we put together a gorgeous event that brought out a number of interested couples. We always love working together with such wonderful people!

Our deepest gratitude goes out to Danny Dong Photography today for such incredible pictures! He really captured the beauty of the event and we just love seeing him around with his camera!

Chris and Jessica’s Vineyard Wedding at Palm Event Center

Hip hip hooray! We never get tired of seeing our wedding features, so today we’re sharing Chris and Jessica’s wedding at Palm Event Center on Hazy Lane Studio’s blog! Their wedding was lit with gorgeous 30-light iron chandeliers and a custom GOBO wash for ultimate romance! We also were lucky enough to DJ this exciting wedding – but you’ll just have to check out the pictures to see the wedding in all its glory!

Credit: Hazy Lane Studios

Our kudos go to Hazy Lane Studios for such wonderful pictures – a true talent!

July Events

Are you spending your summer planning your wedding poolside? Well then it’s time to take a break, and come see us! We love the summer (must be that California blood!) and we want to share our favorite season with you. This month, we’ll be hosting our monthly DJ meet-and-greet on July 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Haven’t been able to make it out before? Now’s the time to meet our top DJs and get to know what they can do for your wedding day! Invite the whole crew – we want to meet you and your loved ones and learn more about your big plans!

Credit: Tyler Vu Photography

If interested, please RSVP with our online form so we can look forward to meeting you! Hope to see you there!

Grace and Dru’s Fabulous Wedding at Palm Event Center

Grace and Dru’s fabulous wedding at the Palm Event Center was quite the event! The pair are absolutely adorable and we loved having the opportunity to be a part of their special day. These two were such a blessing to work with and we were delighted to be a part of their wedding experience!The pictures, taken by the wonderful Tyler Vu Photography and Leo Pham Photography, just go to show the upbeat energy of the party!

Cheers to you, Grace and Dru! We wish you the best and hope you’re enjoying your lives together!Still looking for more eye candy? See the full feature of their wedding in all of its glory on photographer Leo Pham’s blog here. Many thanks again to Tyler Vu and Leo Pham for such breathtaking photos!

June Events

Can you believe it’s already June? With summer just around the corner, we’re so excited for what the season has in store. This month, we’ll be hosting our monthly DJ meet-and-greet on June 27 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Credit: Kyle Wilcher Photography

If interested, please RSVP with our online form so we can look forward to meeting you! Hope to see you there!

Questions for Your DJ

So you’ve picked your DJ and you’re all set to go for your wedding music – but before you hand the reins over entirely, there are some questions you’ll want answered in order to better plan for your wedding. Read on to get the full scoop!

12'x12' and 9'x9' Beaded Crystal Chandeliers, a Table Spotlight, Dance Floor GOBO Wash, and a Custom Monogram GOBO

Credit: Brandon Wong Photography

1. Do you offer emcee services in addition to DJing?
Many DJs do emcee weddings, but not all of them. The answer to this question will determine whether or not you need to ask a family member or a friend to be the emcee for the night – someone needs to introduce the new married couple after all!

2. Have you worked at our venue before?
If the answer is “oh, plenty of times!”, consider yourself golden. However, if the DJ is unfamiliar with your venue, you’ll want to ensure that his equipment fits the size and technological requirements of the place. This is usually done through a visit, so be prepared to accompany your DJ to your venue at least once.

3. How would you describe your style?
This answer to this question could make it or break it – you will absolutely want to pick a DJ that meshes with you and your partner’s style, in terms of both music and business practices. If you’re a type-A person, you’ll want to stay away from the laidback DJ. While just as professional as others, you want to be sure you agree on all matters beforehand.

4. Can you provide a rundown of what is included in the package?
In addition to knowing how long the DJ will be of service, you’ll also want to get an idea of what else is covered in the package. Does the DJ bring all of his own equipment? Does he or she handle the setup and breakdown of the equipment? They may even offer other services (i.e. lighting, stage, etc.), so it’s important for you to have an understanding of everything he or she has to offer.

5. What is the song request policy?
Of course, your guests will have some certain songs that they want to hear at the wedding and, if it’s not on your pre-arranged list, they will ask for it. First, you’ll want to decide if you want to allow their requests (who asked for the Chicken Dance?!) and then defer to the DJ to see what his or her policy is.

Your DJ is an integral part of your wedding day so keep the above questions in mind while finding the very best fit!

Selecting the Best Entertainment for your Wedding

To choose a DJ or a band? It’s an age-old question and perhaps one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Music is such a special element throughout your entire day, so you’ll surely want to choose the best match for you. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a disc jockey to provide the tunes for your wedding day!

Photo Credit: Danny Dong Photography

Music Choice

Everyone has a favorite song to be played during their reception, whether it’s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough or the Cupid Shuffle. One of the perks of having a DJ is that you’ll get the actual song that you love, sang by the original artist. Even the best wedding bands can’t always match certain songs to exactly how the real artist sings them (not to say that isn’t a lovely experience!). However, many couples have “their song” and may not be looking for a variation, which isn’t something you’ll have to worry about with a DJ. Another advantage of having a DJ is the freedom that comes with picking a completely customized playlist. Generally, bands have a specific set list or repertoire that they stick to, which doesn’t always have the wiggle room for changes or additions – you may even be charged for learning a new song.

Built-in Emcee

Having a DJ also means that you have a “built-in” emcee that will help to guide the flow of your cocktail hour and reception. A DJ that will multi-task and emcee for the day takes the pressure off of you and your family members because you won’t have to think quite so much about the night’s timeline. For example, a DJ will make the announcement when the wedding party enters the reception, as well as inform guests when certain traditions are happening, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss. One less thing for you to worry about!

Price

For the most part, disc jockeys tend to be more cost effective than hiring a band. Not only can DJs come for a lower cost, but they can also provide other services that a band normally can’t provide, like lighting or sound systems. Choosing to go with a DJ can allow you to stretch your dollar further and can provide bundled services from one company rather than needing to hire many different vendors.

Emily and Ethan’s Wedding on The Knot!

We were thrilled to see Emily and Ethan’s fun wedding at the San Francisco Zoo! These two were so fun to work with and we love how they embraced their animal-filled venue into the details of their big day. Click here to see the full feature!

Join us at Ruby Hill Wedding Faire & Celebration Under the Stars!

It’s time to pull out your calendars and schedule in some time to make it out to the Ruby Hill Wedding Faire & Celebration Under the Stars next Thursday, May 21st! Doors open to the general public at 6:30 pm, but if you’re a Ruby Hill bride, you’re welcome to come at 5:30 pm.

Come by and enjoy some hors d’oeuvres, dance your feet off, and learn about what’s up-and-coming in the wedding industry. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by and say hello to your favorite Bay Area DJs! For more information, visit the Facebook event page here and join if you can make it!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Michele and Matthew’s Romantic Casa Real Wedding

It doesn’t get more romantic than a Valentine’s Day wedding, now does it? From the moment we met with Michele and Matthew and found out their date was on the national holiday of love, we knew we had our work cut out for us – and we couldn’t wait! We made it our goal to transform Casa Real into the most gorgeous and dreamy spot for the pair’s special night and we did just that.

Between our 12-light crystal chandeliers, a custom monogram, and elegant GOBO washes, we were honored to be able to light up Michele and Matthew’s wedding night.

What made the night truly magical was less about the lighting and décor and more about the feelings of love and joy that filled the room. With their closest friends and family, Michele and Mark’s night was surely a wonderful experience that they will always remember.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Dana Todd Photography for such stunning photos. These pictures really blew us away! Our team at Fantasy Sound would also like to wish the lovely couple a lifetime of love and happiness – thank you for the opportunity to participate in your big day!