Sunday, June 29, 2014

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

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

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



Monday, June 9, 2014

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 



Sunday, June 8, 2014

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!