A Wedding Day of Love and Fun at Mirbeau Inn, Skaneateles, NY

This past Saturday, June 15, 2013, we had the distinct honor of providing ceremony and reception DJ services for the wedding of Janet and Khan Tran. I was assisted by a DJ and friend who I've known for more than 25 years, John Parolin. The wedding was held at one of Syracuse's most beautiful wedding venues, Mirbeau Inn & Spa Resort in Skaneateles NY. Mirbeau's event coordinators, Catherine Sinclair and Nina Vitale, are true professionals with attention to detail. We worked together to ensure the entire evening unfolded exactly according to Janet and Khans wishes.

The following video montage of the day is by Justin Mayer of Mayer Video. 

It began with a picture perfect ceremony on the bridge in the Monet Gardens. We used our low profile ceremony system which blended in nicely, and provided beautiful string music and amplified their vows so all of their friends and family could share in the experience.

After a short and sweet ceremony, guests made their way to a large tented deck on the east side of the garden.  After cocktails, I coordinated the grand entrance and had the honor of welcoming everyone, and acknowledging the many guests who travel great distances to celebrate with Janet and Khan. We played an eclectic mix of standards and music requested by Janet and Khan throughout cocktail hour and dinner. 

Janet and Khan dance, surrounded by loved ones

After dinner and desert, the dance-floor opened with a BANG. We played some of Janet and Khan's favorites, as well as guest requests. 

The top 5 songs of the night were: 1. Don Omar - Danza Kuduro, 2. Iconipop - I Love It, 3. Mackelmore  - Can't Hold Us, 4. Brittney Spears & Will.I.Am - Scream & Shout, 5. Psy - Gangnam Style.

Friends and family packed the dance-floor all night long, and though I'm not a photographer, I was able to get a couple great pics of the fun. I always try to get at least a few, even if only for the blog. A picture speaks 1000 words. 




The evening ended with a sparkler send-off, with guests forming a tunnel to Janet and Khan's Mirbeau cottage. 

Everyone had an absolute ball, and we received many compliments. Janet and Khan were a lot of fun to work with. I wish I could work with them every week, as they were my ideal client. An elegant, classy cocktail and dinner party, that unfolded into a night FUN and laughter.


My thanks to Janet and Khan Tran. It was an honor to help shape your wedding day.
Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

Sincerely,
Kirk Rothrum
Select Receptions by CNY Select DJs
Distinctive Syracuse Wedding DJ Services

Six Hours of Elegance and Fun at the Sherwood Inn, Skaneateles, NY

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, we had the pleasure of helping Molly and Jonathan Johnson craft their elegant, fun wedding reception. 

The celebration was held at The Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles, NY. The Sherwood is a perfect venue for a reception, with an intimate setting, and views of beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Nadine DuChene, the Events Manager, is a consummate professional, and is a pleasure to work with. 

I also enjoyed working with photographer Todd Johnson of Come together Studios.

The tables had ivory linens, with green runners which matched the theme of their wedding. Because we don't use a "facade" or DJ booth, our low-profile digital controller fit neatly on a table that perfectly matched the rest for their reception. We transmitted wireless sound to the far lounge for full coverage within 3 rooms and the front porch area. Guests were able to hear Molly and Jonathan's music throughout, without missing any important announcements.

Photo by Todd Johnson, Come Together Studios

Cocktail and Dinner music was selected by Molly, and included a great mix of standards, and music personally meaningful. I'm always happy to help clients shape a playlist that is unique to them. In Molly's case, she knew just what she wanted, and as the playlist was compiled, I couldn't have been more impressed with her selections.

For dancing, Molly had just a handful of requests, and the rest was an open slate. I filled in the blanks based on her tastes, and the dance-floor was packed  literally all night long. Molly and Jonathan's friends and family were some of the most fun guests I've ever spun for. Anyone walking down the sidewalk  on Genesee Street in Skaneateles saw a huge crowd bouncing in The large bow windows.

When Molly and I sat down at Panera to talk about her wedding, one of the most important things to her was that people DANCE. I'm happy to report, they rocked right up until the end. :) 

Last Dance Photo by Todd Johnson

Thanks for allowing me to help craft your perfect reception Molly & Jonathan! It was indeed a pleasure!

Best, 

-Kirk Rothrum

Select Receptions by CNY Select DJs, 

Distinct Syracuse Wedding DJ Services

The Skyline Lodge, Rocked like a Wagon Wheel

Chelsea & Nick Kaminski

This past weekend I had a wonderful time of serving as DJ and Master of Ceremonies for the wedding reception of Chelsea and Nick Kaminski. They are a fun couple who loves country music, and the outdoors. The reception was held at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest in Fabius, NY. As usual, the sweeping views are unparalleled in Syracuse area Wedding venues, and provided the perfect backdrop for a night to remember.

With the Skyline's new outdoor deck, many guests enjoyed cocktails outdoors in the sunshine. Anticipating this, I brought an additional wireless speaker, so guests could have a backdrop of Chelsea & Nick's favorite music without missing any important announcements.

Guests were treated to a special "love story" before the introduction of the newlyweds, giving them a glimpse into the chain of events that brought us all together for this important day.

When a reception begins on the earlier side of a sunny day, it's important to keep guests having fun until the drinking and dancing gets into full swing. For this, at our initial meeting, one of the suggestions I offered, was playing the Newlywed Game.
Chelsea and Nick loved the idea!

As the sun set over the rolling hills, many guests changed into more casual clothes, and the night  unfolded into drinking and dancing. The nights favorites ranged from Old Crow Medicine Show - Wagon Wheel to Jeremih & 50 Cent - Down on me... And eclectic, busy dancefloor!

The evening was topped off with Nick showing off his talent for singing with the best rendition of Fat Bottom Girls ever.

 The entire reception was the perfect blend of elegant, casual, and unforgettably fun.

Less than 24 hours later, Chelsea gave me the following glowing Weddingwire review:

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"Kirk went above and beyond to entertain the guests. We've had so many people come up and ask where we found the DJ because they were so impressed. We booked 6 hours and our guests were still dancing till the very end!!! Thank you so much for everything!"
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The pleasure was mine! Thanks for letting me help with your important day!

-Kirk Rothrum
Select Receptions, Syracuse, NY Wedding DJ

Finding the right DJ...

I came across the following post in a forum on one of the larger wedding "vendor" sites:

It's unfortunate so many of these "types" have found their way into being mobile DJs!
She is correct to avoid the ipod wedding at all costs (or savings!). It is a recipe for disaster, and guests rolling their eyes. You don't want to cheap-out on your wedding guests who are showering you with gifts, you want them to have a great time... To eat, drink and hopefully dance. It's important though that it's an extension of you, and having a cheeseball DJ can absolutely ruin it all. I get it. 

Here are a few ideas on how to avoid "that guy" at your wedding:

Tip 1: 
The #1 tip I can give, is speaking with and hopefully meeting the DJ. If that isn't possible because you're dealing with a company with many DJs, or they're unsure who'll be your DJ, keep looking! You want to meet the actual DJ who'll be at your wedding.
You may not be able to tell if his voice will change the second he turns on the microphone, but at the very least, you'll sense if he's a sleaze.
It doesn't have to be someone you'd be best friends with in life, but for what you're investing in this day, you don't want someone who might embarrass you.

Tip 2:
Ask the DJ what they'll do to get people dancing. If the word microphone is in their reply, you might want to avoid this DJ. I'm not saying every DJ who simply let's your guests know the dance-floor is open is going to be the "tool" you're looking to avoid... But a good DJ should be able to elicit dancing by simply playing the right music. It may sound like a no-brainer answer, but it's the one you want!


Tip 3:
Don't assume because he claims he won't "say corny things" or says he ISN'T cheesy, that it's true. About 3 years ago I decided to strip the BS away from my marketing and let people know outright, I'm not that guy... And wouldn't you know it, several local DJs did the same thing! Some of whom, are exactly "that guy". It doesn't mean anything anymore to say "I'm not a cheesy DJ". Even Ron Burgundy thought he was kind of a big deal. ;)


As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

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