Amber and Charlie's Rustic Arrowhead Lodge Wedding

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Arrowhead Lodge

On September 20, 2014, we had a wonderful time working with Amber and Charlie. Their wedding was celebrated at the rustic Arrowhead Lodge, in Brewerton, NY. It was a pleasure again working with Brenda, the coordinator.

They were married at a picturesque arbor among the trees, while most of their guests watch from the lawn and patio. With wireless microphones and our Bose compact line array speaker, everyone was able to share in the experience both musically, and hearing their vows.

After a picture perfect ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails in and outside before getting the festivities under way. The reception proved to be a classic and traditional in some aspects, and completely customized in others. A perfect blend.

A packed dancefloor was important to Amber, and we're glad to report, it was packed indeed.
Their guests had a wide variety of tastes, from country to modern dance & Hip Hop.

Amber was unsure if she wanted a specific "last dance" song. Before we knew it, the end of the evening had arrived, and it was that time. I decided to bring back a song that we played for her recessional, just after they were announced husband and wife. Edward Sharpe - Home. The result, was amber's face in her hands, and tears welling up, as her closest friends and family formed a circle around her and Charlie. 

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. 

Thanks Amber & Charlie for allowing me to do what I love, and help you celebrate your big day! 

Best wishes!

-Kirk 

Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY

An Instant Classic at Mirbeau Inn

Saturday, August 16th, we were honored to provide DJ and MC services for the wedding celebration of Trisha and Daniel Brown. 

The wedding ceremony was held at Mirbeau Inn in Skaneateles, where we also provided ceremony sound services, and offered our Bose cocktail music for an indoor cocktail hour which as held in the lounge.  

Because of inclement weather, the tented deck area at the far end of the garden had walls attached to keep guests dry. 

After a delicious dinner and a few formalities, we opened up the dance-floor with a bang. 

Trisha and Dan's friends and family were lots of fun, and danced all night long. The newlywed's selected some important songs to them, and we filled in the blanks and accepted requests.

Top dance songs of the night were:
Rihanna - We Found Love
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
Don Omar - Danza Kuduro
Chris Brown - Forever
Earth, Wind & Fire - September

After a a couple hours straight of packed dance-floor, the evening ended with a request from Trisha: Cascada - Everytime we touch. It was a big hit, and Trisha and Dan's friends and family filled the floor for one last dance.

The entire wedding was an elegant, fun affair, rain notwithstanding. Thanks Trisha and Dan, for letting us help you celebrate your big day. The pleasure was ours.

A special thanks to photographer Laure Lille, videographer Zach Cullen, and Nina Vitale, the site coordinator at Mirbeau. It's always a pleasure working together. :)

Best,
-Kirk
Select Receptions by CNY Select DJs
Syracuse wedding DJ's to keep the dance floor packed

The Hartline's Elegant Nuptials at the Skyline Lodge, Fabius, NY

Last Saturday, we helped a very special couple celebrate their marriage at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest in Fabius. The Hartlines exchanged vows overlooking the rolling hills on the back deck, where their friend provided the soundtrack of live cello, and we provided wireless lav microphone for their officiant to pick up the couples words.

After a picture perfect ceremony, and a delicious dinner, in lieu of the traditional wedding events, the brides played a round of the Newlywed game! As always, it was hilarious, and kept guests laughing the entire time. To keep it fresh, I always ask couples for a few questions (privately) that are personal to them, and might be unexpected by the other. It made for an extra funny rendition of the game.

We also provided spot-uplighting in a few key areas. Because of the many windows at the Skyline Lodge, doing extensive uplighting can be somewhat difficult. That said, adding accents to areas like the fireplace, or under a cake-table, can highlight focal points in the room, and personalize the space, by tying in your custom wedding colors.

It was an elegant and fun wedding, that I'm pleased to say, was very personalized to the Hartlines.
They were an absolute pleasure to plan with along the way, and their guests were a fun bunch.

I also had the pleasure of working again with photographer Sarah Rossborough of 'I Do' wedding Photography.

Thanks again for letting us be a part of your big day! :)

-Kirk
Select Receptions

Kelsey and Jay's Rockin' Oneida Lake wedding

Saturday, July 12, we had a great time providing services for the wedding of Kelsey and Jay Holland. 

The wedding took place at Borio's on beautiful Oneida Lake. We provided ceremony sound for their friend and officiant, Josh, as well as music selections chosen personally by to Kelsey and Jay. 

After a picture perfect ceremony, guests were invited inside for cocktails. For introductions, Kelsey and Jay's wedding party was hilarious, dancing all the way to the dance floor to Marky Mark - Good Vibrations!

When I'm DJing, I always try to snap a few shots for the blog...  For Kelsey and Jay's day, a picture is worth 1000 words. The dance-floor was quite literally packed all night long. Kelsey and Jay picked out some great music, and based on their requests and reading the crowd, we played music tailored to their day personally.  

Some of the night's top favorites were...

1. Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue

2. Spice Girls - Wannabe 

3. Don Omar - Danza Kuduro
4. Hall & Oates - You Make My Dream Come True
5. Wild Cherry - Play that Funky Music

I had the opportunity to work with videographer Nick Donnelly, and Photographer Tara Toyryla, from Spencer, NY.

Kelsey and Jay were super nice to work with, and they and their guests were a ton of fun.
Thanks again for letting us be a part of your big day! It was sincerely an honor and a pleasure. It's couples like you that make me love my job!

Best wishes,

-Kirk R.
Select Receptions, Syracuse Wedding DJ Extraordinaire :)

Reagan and Dan's Classically Trendy Upstate NY Farm Wedding

This past Saturday, we had the honor of helping Reagan and Dan Carroll, and about 120 of their closest friends and family celebrate their wedding reception. Our regular wedding pro, John Parolin wasn't able to attend, so I was assisted by Kinyon Brinson, a talented Syracuse DJ who is also the Disc Jockey Technology Instructor at OCM Boces. 

The reception was held at the rustic Harding Farm, in Clinton, NY. The reception was held in a tent in the center of the estate, with cocktails in a nearby barn. For cocktail music, Dan selected an awesome mix of old soul, funky reggae and classics, which we broadcasted via wireless transmitter from the reception tent to the barn/pool area.

Like most of my clients, Reagan and Dan didn't want a "cookie-cutter" wedding. After some very touching toasts and a delicious dinner, instead of a cake, they cut a pie! It was a fun and different way to personalize things, and guests loved it!

Reagan and Dan had great taste in music, and we did our best to honor their wishes, peppering in similar tunes here and there alongside their requests. 

The result was a dancefloor that was literally PACKED all night long! 

I had the pleasure of working with Wedding Planner Megan Hiltbrand, of MLH events in Camillus. Megan is a consummate professional  who executed everything about Reagan and Dan's day perfectly.

I also worked with Chris Szulwach of The Story photography, who's images can be seen in this blog post. We've worked together several times, and I highly recommend The Story photography!

Thanks Reagan and Dan for the opportunity to be a part of your big day!\

-Kirk
Select Receptions, Syracuse wedding DJ services

MariKate & Mathew's Fun and Memorable day

After a busy 2 weeks, I'm glad to finally update the blog. On June 14th, I had the great honor of being a part of MariKate and Matthew Grabo's wedding celebration!

MariKate and Matt are a fun, young couple with great taste in music and a fun family. The reception was held in the Oak Room at the Dibbles Inn, and this was the second week in a row I was there! Although the room has a large fireplace separating the dancefloor & DJ from the dining area where toasts took place, we were able to position speakers to provide coverage for all areas so guests could hear toasts and enjoy the newlywed's dinner music.

After a great dinner, We breathed life into the dancefloor and it was packed in no time.

Guests loved the mix of music, as we combine MariKate and Matthews playlist, with a blend of similar tunes and guest requests.

Over time, planning over the phone, and via email and of course meetings in person- I get to know my clients pretty well. Kathy Corcoran (MariKate's mother) and MariKate especially in this case. They are a wonderful family. Learning the backstory of MariKate and Matt's relationship, his proposal, and all of the details leading up to this huge day, was truly an inspiration. Good stuff.

The dancefloor was packed all night long... And MariKate's bother Jon, even sang a song for the newlyweds.

Thanks MariKate and Matthew, and Kathleen, for letting me serve as your DJ and Master of Ceremonies. It was a fun wedding, that I think friends and family won't soon forget!

-Kirk
Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY

A Packed Dance-Floor at Dibbles Inn, Vernon, NY

This past Saturday, June 14th, we had the pleasure of helping Kelly and Will Hilinski celebrate their marriage. Kelly and Will are a fun couple, whose day included lots of events to keep the evening flowing with a fast pace, and lots of fun for all who attended. The reception was held in the Adirondack Room, at Dibbles Inn, in Vernon, NY.

Highlights of the evening included an Anniversary Dance for all the married couples, and even a first for me at
a wedding- Square Dancing! Will's good friend and Best Man (Clinton Hirschfeld) is an actual Square Dance 'caller' from Ohio. After some brief instructions, wedding guests had a ball Square Dancing for 20 minutes or so. It was non-traditional (in this region anyway), and FUN addition that I think everyone will remember.

The dance-floor was packed all night long, and at the end of the night, Kelly and Will even inquired about extending the party... Unfortunately, it wasn't possible with the venue, so it ended as scheduled, and with a BANG. For the last song, I gave Kelly's cousin the wireless microphone, and he led a huge sing-along to Journey's Don't Stop Believing. 

Last Dance

click to enlarge

And since the excitement hasn't yet worn off from our new Bose sound-system, to the right, is a shot at how well it blends right into a room. The tall speaker column and compact B2 bass module, can be seen at the far end.

It was a fun wedding for all who attended, and one I won't soon forget.

I had the pleasure of working with photographer Lisa Miller, who was very professional, and who's images can be seen in this blog-post. Thanks Lisa!

Thanks again Kelly and Will! Best wishes!

-Kirk
Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY Wedding Entertainment

A note about presentation...

We spare no expense and considered every detail when deciding upon a piece of equipment that will be at your wedding reception. Aesthetics are a top concern.  Read below for details, and click any of the images for an enlarged view of our low-profile presentation.

Our system is streamlined and modern, using a software based platform and digital control surface, with redundant backup at the ready. Connections and wires are kept to our side of the table as much as possible, without the usual messy DJ table.

Usually, a venue will provide a table and linens to match the room, as seen to the left at the Sherwood Inn. If not, we're glad to provide our own, in black, as seen below at a tented private estate event.

Our flagship Bose Model II system provides rich world-class sound, in an aesthetically pleasing design that doesn't detract from the decor, the way large boxy speakers on stands can.

For cocktail hours, and dining areas away from a main reception space, we usually use a Bose Compact system. This is usually run wirelessly from a transmitter inside the building, or wherever the main DJ system and dancing is to take place. Having consistent music as guests move from area to area is an important touch. If it's decided your wedding calls for it, there is no additional charge for this service.

Our Bose compact system is also the perfect complement to a wedding ceremony. It provides amazing, detailed coverage, while blending right into it's surroundings. If you've hired our ceremony sound services, we'll also provide a low-profile wireless lapel/lavalier microphone for your officiant, and a microphone on a stand for any readings. 

We're happy to provide dance-lights at no additional charge. To keep things as neat an unobtrusive as possible, our dance-lights use just one stand, with all cables neatly wrapped. Dance lights help make the dancefloor more inviting, moving and changing colors to the music, but we prefer to reserve it for later in the evening when the partying kicks off.

The system we use provides 4 flat-par wash lights, and usually a dome light mounted to the stand. This provides and extremely flexible system and is entirely self contained. All lighting is cool running LED.

We also offer several upgrade options including architectural uplighting, spotlighting your cake, and your name or monogram in light on the dance-floor. 

If you're bored, here's a blog post with some over the top awful DJ systems at peoples weddings. Oy vey!

As always, don't hesitate to contact me for any questions. :)

Best,
Kirk Rothrum
Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY Wedding DJ 

A Picture Perfect June Wedding at the Skyline Lodge in Highland Forest

Yesterday evening, June 7, 2014, we had the pleasure of providing services for the wedding reception of Jill and Bruce Johnstone III. 

The celebration was held at the Skyline Lodge in Highland Forest, overlooking the rolling hills on a picture perfect day. 

Jill and Bruce are a fun couple with musical tastes ranging from country to classics, and a little bit of everything in between. A good variety for a wedding, which usually have guests ranging in age from 7-70.

For the cocktail hour, we provided a Bose Compact system, run wirelessly from a transmitter inside the building. This allowed guests enjoying the view to still hear cocktail music, and not miss any important announcements while enjoying drinks outdoors. 

This system is perfect for occasions when cocktails or dinner are held in a separate physical space from the reception "party" where dancing will eventually take place. It also blends right into the surroundings without detracting, while providing great sound. 

After a perfectly executed first dance, toasts, and a delicious dinner... The dance-floor began hoppin! 

Jill and Bruce provided the foundation with some great suggestions, and we filled in the blanks and took guest requests. The result was a fun and memorable reception for all!

I also had the opportunity to work with Marybeth Longo- Videographer extraordinaire, and photographer Carol DiSalvo. Both are consummate professionals, who I would highly recommend. 

Thanks for the memories Jill and Bruce!

Julie and Matt's FUN Camillus, NY Wedding Reception

Yesterday we helped Julie and Matthew Mason celebrate their wedding reception in Camillus, NY. 

With about 130 guests, the party started off with one of the more unique and FUN introductions I've done. Being huge Yankees fans, Julie and Matt wanted a "Yankees Roll Call" introduction, with the "Bleacher Creatures" (guests) chanting the names of their bridal party members as I introduced them into the room. I completed the effect with stadium crowd cheering sound effects, and Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind' as the newlyweds entered. It was a fun way to personalize their day that got all of their guests involved.

Since one of Matt's groomsmen, Mr. Brandon Lewis, made their wedding cake, which was a true work of art, it only made sense to make it a focal point in the room. Spotlighting the cake helped, to match their wedding colors, we under-lit the table linens with a gentle teal glow to match their wedding colors. 

For more information on lighting options and upgrades, visit our Uplighting and Pinspotting page.

The night was packed with fun and lots of dancing. Julie and Matt's taste in music was great, and we filled in the blanks and read the crowd to keep the dance floor hopping. Highlights of the evening include an anniversary dance, a hilarious bouquet and garter ceremony, and even a conga line lead by the bride to the tune of "Jump in the Line" that included nearly every guest! 

The wedding was a big success! 

The pleasure was ours, thanks for letting us help you celebrate!

-Kirk Rothrum

Select Receptions

Cathy and Mike's Intimate Dino BBQ, Steam-Punk, Skaneateles Wedding Celebration

Tonight (technically yesterday now) I had the distinct honor of helping Cathy and Mike Dailey celebrate their wedding!

Cathy and Mike flew in from Long Beach, CA to tie the knot at the Fox Ridge Bed and Breakfast in Skaneateles, in an intimate gathering of close friends and family.

Click to enlarge

The reception was deliciously catered by Dinosaur BBQ, and for desert, guests enjoyed some of the coolest cupcakes I've ever seen, each with gear/sprocket, to capture the newlywed's steam-punk flair.






For Cathy and Mike's wedding, we used our new flagship sound system, the dual Bose L1 Model II.

Aside from it's obvious aesthetics and lack of "boxy" big  obtrusive speakers, the sound is second to none, providing wide coverage and great sound to every guest in attendance. We were thrilled to receive several compliments from guests and fellow vendors on the sound and the look of the system.

For the ceremony, our Bose L1 Compact Ceremony System blended right into the surroundings, filling the area with rich sound, and crisp speech so guests didn't miss a word. Cathy and Mike's self-written vows were some of my favorite ever. It's truly an added bonus when  guests can hear everything clearly and share in the moment. 

We also had the opportunity to work with Photographer Emily O'Reilly and her assistant Kevin, who were a pleasure along every step of the way.

A BIG thanks again to Cathy and Mike. It was an honor to be a part of your big day!
Best,
Kirk Rothrum
Select Receptions, Syracuse wedding DJ services

Live Music Amplification for Ceremonies

Yesterday, April 18, 2014, I had a chance to assist my good friend and partner in crime, John Parolin, with a wedding ceremony at the Arrowhead Lodge in Brewerton, NY.

Though John handled all of the DJing, MCing and event coordinating for the evening, I was happy to make use of our new Bose Compact system for a ceremony guitarist. The system includes the proprietary Bose ToneMatch engine, which provides a perfect tonal balance for guitar and vocals. The results were impressive, and the internal speaker array provided clean, even sound for all 130 guests.

Bose Compact Ceremony System at Arrowhead Lodge, Brewerton, NY

Whether your ceremony includes live or recorded music, we've got you covered with world class sound. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about your ceremony sound needs.

Thanks John Parolin, and of course Marissa and Nate, for letting me play a small role in your big day.

-Kirk Rothrum
Select Receptions, Syracuse NY

New Bose Premium Sound for your Wedding

We're gearing up for a great 2014!

I'm happy to announce the addition of our latest new offerings. We're adding two Bose Model II systems with B2 bass modules, a Bose compact system for wedding ceremonies and "fill" sound for cocktails or dimmer music in separate rooms. Also, for couples who'd like their dance floor to booooom, we're adding another clean, powerful EV subwoofer. 

Bose Premium Sound 
Admit it, unless you're a DJ reading this you probably don't pay much attention to the equipment, right? It just has to work, sound good, and hopefully not be an eye-sore detracting from your beautifully decorated reception. Introducing a sound system that blends right in, and sounds nothing short of amazing.

We're proud to be the only DJ company in the Syracuse area to offer the superior Bose Model II system with B2 bass. The system is as beautiful as it sounds, and is a welcome change from the ugly big 'black box' speakers on stands.  

Each Bose L1 Model II system uses an articulated array of 24 speakers, a concept invented by Bose. It provides greater tonal balance and more consistent sound throughout the room. This is one reason they are considered the best of the best for weddings. Guests can hear music and important announcements clearly, without being directly in front of traditional "directional" speakers, regardless of their seating arrangements. 

I believe your wedding deserves the best. It's a once in a lifetime day, with no second chances to get it right. Regardless of the expense, if there's something (anything) that can be done to make it more memorable, to make it flow more smoothly, to make it sound amazing or look breathtaking, I'm on it. You have my word. 

-Kirk Rothrum

Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY