Congratulations Jennifer and Alex! Thanks for letting us be a part of your big day!
Thanks to Thomas Lunt Photography for these great pictures!
-Becky
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Jennifer and Alex
Jennifer and Alex had an awesome reception at the Mendenhall Inn in Chadds Ford. We had the pleasure of working with Erin Proud of Proud to Plan, and Tom of Thomas Lunt Photography. Jason and Kyle DJ'd the wedding and kept the dance floor busy with a lot of Duran Duran! We also uplit the room in purple, covered the dance floor with stars and the couples monogram.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ann and Philip
Ann and Philip had a great reception at the Harrington Fire Hall in Delaware. Mark DJ'd the event with Chris and Kurt as second DJ's and Jessica as their lighting designer. When Ann arrived, she caught a glimpse of the room through a slightly open room and told the crew how beautiful it looked. After the wedding, Mark had a chance to speak with Ann and she told him that it was great and she had a blast!
Congratulations Ann and Philip! Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!
Thanks to Rob from Pinnacle Photography Services for the images!
-Becky
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Things I learned through the planning process ...
My three year wedding anniversary is coming up next month and I thought now would be a good time to share some of the things I learned (and realized), throughout the planning process and at the wedding itself, with all of you brides (and grooms) to be.
-Things will go wrong. It is inevitable. There are too many people involved and too many outside factors that come into play for things not to go wrong. But the reality is, you are most likely the only person that will know. My bouquet was supposed to be all white mini callas, tied with white satin ribbon with the stems showing. Instead I got a bouquet of 5 large white callas, fully wrapped with a bow. Everyone told me how beautiful my flowers were. My cake was supposed to have large “dots” of frosting around the base of each tier; instead there were two rows of "dots," with space in between, at the base of the bottom tier. Everyone told me how beautiful and tasty the cake was. In the grand scheme of things, did it really matter that the cake and bouquet were "wrong"? No.
-Take a minute to enjoy your day. Stop, look around and just take it all in. It FLIES by. If you can’t get to that last table to say "hi", or don’t feel like dealing with anymore formalities, then skip them. Do what YOU want to do. It’s your day and you don’t want to look back on it with regrets. Listen to what everyone has to say and decide what works for you and your fiancé. Whether it is seeing each other before the ceremony, incorporating religious customs and traditions, doing a bouquet and garter toss, donating or giving a favor, or whatever else, do what is most important to you. Don’t do something because someone else tells you, you “should” or you “have to.” You don’t.
-Your bridal party – it is your wedding, but you are choosing to include them in this big day. Consider them when making some of your decisions. It can be hard to find bridesmaid dresses you like, but if the one you love is $300, consider looking for something similar with a smaller price tag. Being in a wedding can be very expensive – try to take your girls or guys into consideration when making some of your decisions. All of my girls wore the same dress. They picked their own shoes and did whatever they wanted for hair and makeup. Everyone looked beautiful, but most importantly, they were happy! And even if they don’t all take an active interest in every detail of the wedding or do as much as you “think” they should., they love you and they are there for you on your special day.
-Decide what is most important to you and spend your money on those things. Photography was very important to me, but I let other people’s views influence my decision and ended up disappointed. I should have allotted more money for photography in the budget. Most people will remember the music and if they enjoyed themselves dancing. My DJ was great – I’m still hearing about him three years later. He wasn't the most expensive and he wasn't the cheapest, but he kept the dance floor packed. I was having such a good time dancing that I skipped eating to dance; which wasn’t the best idea because I was hungry and I still hear about how good the food was.
-Vendor recommendations are great. Listen to what people have to say, do your research, but in the end, make the decision you feel is best for you.
-Details, details, details. The little things you do will get noticed. They are what will set your wedding apart from the dozens of others your guests have, and will attend. People will remember them and they are a great way to show off who you, as a couple, really are.
-Throughout the planning process, remember what’s really important. Yes you want everything to be perfect, but you’re marrying the love of your life. That’s what’s really important. Not the color of the tablecloths, the shoes the bridesmaids wear, the exact number of flowers that will be in each bouquet, the writing on the escort cards, or anything else for that matter. You are marrying the person you love and at the end of the day, you will be husband and wife. That’s what the whole day is really about. All the planning, the stressing, as long as you are happy at the end of the day and come out a Mrs. or a Mr., it is ALL worth it.
-Becky
-Things will go wrong. It is inevitable. There are too many people involved and too many outside factors that come into play for things not to go wrong. But the reality is, you are most likely the only person that will know. My bouquet was supposed to be all white mini callas, tied with white satin ribbon with the stems showing. Instead I got a bouquet of 5 large white callas, fully wrapped with a bow. Everyone told me how beautiful my flowers were. My cake was supposed to have large “dots” of frosting around the base of each tier; instead there were two rows of "dots," with space in between, at the base of the bottom tier. Everyone told me how beautiful and tasty the cake was. In the grand scheme of things, did it really matter that the cake and bouquet were "wrong"? No.
-Take a minute to enjoy your day. Stop, look around and just take it all in. It FLIES by. If you can’t get to that last table to say "hi", or don’t feel like dealing with anymore formalities, then skip them. Do what YOU want to do. It’s your day and you don’t want to look back on it with regrets. Listen to what everyone has to say and decide what works for you and your fiancé. Whether it is seeing each other before the ceremony, incorporating religious customs and traditions, doing a bouquet and garter toss, donating or giving a favor, or whatever else, do what is most important to you. Don’t do something because someone else tells you, you “should” or you “have to.” You don’t.
-Your bridal party – it is your wedding, but you are choosing to include them in this big day. Consider them when making some of your decisions. It can be hard to find bridesmaid dresses you like, but if the one you love is $300, consider looking for something similar with a smaller price tag. Being in a wedding can be very expensive – try to take your girls or guys into consideration when making some of your decisions. All of my girls wore the same dress. They picked their own shoes and did whatever they wanted for hair and makeup. Everyone looked beautiful, but most importantly, they were happy! And even if they don’t all take an active interest in every detail of the wedding or do as much as you “think” they should., they love you and they are there for you on your special day.
-Decide what is most important to you and spend your money on those things. Photography was very important to me, but I let other people’s views influence my decision and ended up disappointed. I should have allotted more money for photography in the budget. Most people will remember the music and if they enjoyed themselves dancing. My DJ was great – I’m still hearing about him three years later. He wasn't the most expensive and he wasn't the cheapest, but he kept the dance floor packed. I was having such a good time dancing that I skipped eating to dance; which wasn’t the best idea because I was hungry and I still hear about how good the food was.
-Vendor recommendations are great. Listen to what people have to say, do your research, but in the end, make the decision you feel is best for you.
-Details, details, details. The little things you do will get noticed. They are what will set your wedding apart from the dozens of others your guests have, and will attend. People will remember them and they are a great way to show off who you, as a couple, really are.
-Throughout the planning process, remember what’s really important. Yes you want everything to be perfect, but you’re marrying the love of your life. That’s what’s really important. Not the color of the tablecloths, the shoes the bridesmaids wear, the exact number of flowers that will be in each bouquet, the writing on the escort cards, or anything else for that matter. You are marrying the person you love and at the end of the day, you will be husband and wife. That’s what the whole day is really about. All the planning, the stressing, as long as you are happy at the end of the day and come out a Mrs. or a Mr., it is ALL worth it.
-Becky
Pictures
We recently got in a ton of great images from weddings and events we did over the past few months so I decided to share some. Enjoy!
Carol and Matt's romantic reception at the Philadelphia Country Club.
Photos courtesy of Laura Novak Photography.
Brenda and Joe's beautiful reception at Knowlton Mansion.
Thanks to Spark Photography for the Picture!
Thanks to Spark Photography for the Picture!
Ann and Philip had a great reception at the Harrington Firehouse. We did uplighting, dancefloor breakups, monograms and kept the dancefloor packed!
Thanks to Pinnacle Photography for the images!
Thanks to Pinnacle Photography for the images!
Jennifer and Alex's reception at the Mendenhall Inn.
Winter wedding at the Double Tree Center City.
We did uplighting, pin spotting and dance floor break ups.
Thanks to Claire Pruett for the images!
We did uplighting, pin spotting and dance floor break ups.
Thanks to Claire Pruett for the images!
-Becky
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Who's The Boss?
Contrary to the majority of opinions, being a wedding DJ is a tough job. On average there are about 150 people that are depending on you to help them enjoy themselves. In essence, all of these people, along with the bride and groom, are the DJ’s boss for the reception. As a boss tells an employee what to do to fulfill his/her job requirements, the guests do the same at the reception. There are two ways guests can tell the DJ what to play, and whether or not the DJ recognizes it depends on his/her talent.
The first way is to directly tell the DJ what they want to hear; also known as a request. It is very easy for a DJ to listen to what the request is and play it at some point throughout the night. It is a bit more difficult for the DJ to decide if the song will work for the crowd or not. There is not a wedding that goes by where we get an unusual request for a song that we know will not work. As professional DJ’s it is our responsibility to determine if: A) the song will work; and B) at what point to mix the song into the night. It is frustrating as a guest to be dancing and then feel a complete disconnect in the music because the next song doesn’t flow nicely into the song they were just dancing to. At that point the guest makes the decision to either dance to the next song or get a drink. Nine times out of 10 that guest is going to lead the way for a soon-to-be empty dance floor.
A good DJ will never allow it to get to that point. We at Synergetic pride ourselves in being able to read the crowd and play the right song to keep the guests on the dance floor – we make the decision of whether or not to stay on the dance floor an easy one. A more talented DJ can look at a group of people and determine what type of music will work and what will not. This is the indirect way guests tell the DJ what to play.
Remember, selecting the right DJ is vital to the success of your wedding reception. Having the trust and confidence in your DJ to keep your guests dancing allows you to not only have a great time, but also have the peace of mind that your guests are as well.
-Matt
The first way is to directly tell the DJ what they want to hear; also known as a request. It is very easy for a DJ to listen to what the request is and play it at some point throughout the night. It is a bit more difficult for the DJ to decide if the song will work for the crowd or not. There is not a wedding that goes by where we get an unusual request for a song that we know will not work. As professional DJ’s it is our responsibility to determine if: A) the song will work; and B) at what point to mix the song into the night. It is frustrating as a guest to be dancing and then feel a complete disconnect in the music because the next song doesn’t flow nicely into the song they were just dancing to. At that point the guest makes the decision to either dance to the next song or get a drink. Nine times out of 10 that guest is going to lead the way for a soon-to-be empty dance floor.
A good DJ will never allow it to get to that point. We at Synergetic pride ourselves in being able to read the crowd and play the right song to keep the guests on the dance floor – we make the decision of whether or not to stay on the dance floor an easy one. A more talented DJ can look at a group of people and determine what type of music will work and what will not. This is the indirect way guests tell the DJ what to play.
Remember, selecting the right DJ is vital to the success of your wedding reception. Having the trust and confidence in your DJ to keep your guests dancing allows you to not only have a great time, but also have the peace of mind that your guests are as well.
-Matt
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Summer and Marc
Summer and Marc were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Philopatrian Literary Institute - Stotesbury Mansion, in Philadelphia.
We uplit the ceremony area as well as the reception room and also double pin spotted each centerpiece. Jason kept the dance floor packed with a lot of old school R&B. We got to work on this great wedding with our friend Mark Kingsdorf of The Queen of Hearts.
Summer and Marc, thanks so much for letting us be part of your special day. We wish you (and your beautiful family) all the best!
-Becky
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Julia and Michael
Julia and Michael were married at the Four Seasons. We did the lighting for their special day, and it looked beautiful if I do say so myself! We uplit the room and double pin spotted each centerpiece.
Here are some beautiful pictures of their wedding, courtesy of Catherine Hennessy Photography.
Here are some beautiful pictures of their wedding, courtesy of Catherine Hennessy Photography.
-Becky
What we're listening to
Once a month I'll be posting what some of us at Synergetic are listening to on our own time. My song choices seem to change with the weather ... we'll see about everyone else.
Joan (Administrative Assistant) - "My Wish,"Rascal Flatts; "Before he Cheats," Carrie Underwood; Michael Buble; Il Divo.
Becky (Sales and Marketing) - Missy Higgins; "Say," John Mayer; "I'm Yours," Jason Mraz; "Closer to Love," Mat Kearney.
Matt (GM, DJ) - "Turnin Me On," Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne; Sam Cooke; Al Green; Marvin Gaye.
Jason (CEO/President, DJ) - "Poker Face," Lady Gaga; "Livin On A Prayer (Remix)," DJ Serafin; Dance/House Music.
-Becky
Joan (Administrative Assistant) - "My Wish,"Rascal Flatts; "Before he Cheats," Carrie Underwood; Michael Buble; Il Divo.
Becky (Sales and Marketing) - Missy Higgins; "Say," John Mayer; "I'm Yours," Jason Mraz; "Closer to Love," Mat Kearney.
Matt (GM, DJ) - "Turnin Me On," Keri Hilson featuring Lil Wayne; Sam Cooke; Al Green; Marvin Gaye.
Jason (CEO/President, DJ) - "Poker Face," Lady Gaga; "Livin On A Prayer (Remix)," DJ Serafin; Dance/House Music.
-Becky
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Cairnwood Roaring 20's Gala
A couple of weeks ago I posted a quick blurb with a few pictures from the Annual Cairnwood Gala. The Gala was held on March 27 at the beautiful Cairnwood Mansion. This years theme was the Roaring 20's, and the dress and decor certainly matched the theme.
I spoke to Shannon Walko from Carinwood this morning. She said, "The Cairnwood roaring 20's gala was a spectacular event thanks to the imaginative lighting from Synergetic Sounds. Jason and his staff were fantastic to work with and helped to bring the whole event to life."
We were so happy to be able to participate in this great event. We did, up lighting throughout the house in red and amber; pin spotting of various flower arrangements and tables; area lighting on the front patio; a cobblestone gobo projection on the floor of the great hall; live video projection of moon lit clouds on the ceiling of the great hall; up lighting of the upstairs lounge and VIP area; and Dan Esteves spun vocals and disco house in the VIP room.
Shannon happily shared that this years Gala raised over $50,000 towards restoration and preservation projects on the Cairnwood Estate, including the Cairnwood garden house.
A number of local event professionals, from planners to caterers, photographers to DJ's, lighting professionals to florists, and everyone in between, came together to help set the scene for this fantastic night! For a full list of event sponsors and participants, please visit the Cairnwood Gala website.
The incredible food came from a number of fantastic, local, caterers including, Culinary Concepts, Feastivities, Jeffrey Miller Catering, Jimmy Duffy's Catering, Max Hansen Caterer, Peachtree & Ward, Karen's Catering and Robert Fair Catering.
Thanks to the fabulous Jackie Bayne and Love Shack Photo for capturing the event. The pictures are amazing and really show what an incredible night it was.
-Becky
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lighting Tips
Since event lighting has become so big in the last few years, I thought it would be good time to go over some things you should look out for.
At first thought, lighting doesn’t seem all that complicated. Find the cheapest company; have them set it up; turn it on; and voila … it looks great!
If only it were that easy.
The tips …
1. Lighting isn’t cheap. It is definetly something of a luxury. So if you are going to spend your money on lighting, it doesn’t make sense to hire a company that is going to do a cheap job. An average lighting price should fall between $1000-$1500.
2. It is all about the details. Although most companies will give you the most popular options, make sure they take the time to sit down with you and go over all the details of the event. This will allow them to give you the best advice, and options for you.
3. The structure is important. When you are dealing with a company, go to their office, look at their warehouse and talk to the production managers. See for yourself if they are the real thing. Make sure you also see some photos and video of their work. Testimonials are always good too!
4. People make all the difference. The people that work on your event are the ones that are going to make the room come to life. Don’t let them leave without talking to them!
5. Dress the room. The “stuff” matters. White fixtures that blend into the room, white drapes to hide the pipe’s and bases, white cables to blend in with the tent. You don’t want black cables coming out of white fixtures and snaking along a white wall.
Follow these tips, and your room should look incredible.
-Jason
At first thought, lighting doesn’t seem all that complicated. Find the cheapest company; have them set it up; turn it on; and voila … it looks great!
If only it were that easy.
The tips …
1. Lighting isn’t cheap. It is definetly something of a luxury. So if you are going to spend your money on lighting, it doesn’t make sense to hire a company that is going to do a cheap job. An average lighting price should fall between $1000-$1500.
2. It is all about the details. Although most companies will give you the most popular options, make sure they take the time to sit down with you and go over all the details of the event. This will allow them to give you the best advice, and options for you.
3. The structure is important. When you are dealing with a company, go to their office, look at their warehouse and talk to the production managers. See for yourself if they are the real thing. Make sure you also see some photos and video of their work. Testimonials are always good too!
4. People make all the difference. The people that work on your event are the ones that are going to make the room come to life. Don’t let them leave without talking to them!
5. Dress the room. The “stuff” matters. White fixtures that blend into the room, white drapes to hide the pipe’s and bases, white cables to blend in with the tent. You don’t want black cables coming out of white fixtures and snaking along a white wall.
Follow these tips, and your room should look incredible.
-Jason
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
NOW 97.5 visits the Synergetic Office
Every morning Joan (our fabulous administrative assistant) listens to NOW 97.5. A few weeks ago she registered on their website for Glenn's Snack Attack, and this morning Glenn and the NOW Crew showed up at our office with snacks from Panera Bread. It was a nice, tastey surprise! Thanks Glenn, NOW 97.5 and Panera!
You can hear Joan on NOW 97.5 tomorrow morning in the 7 o'clock hour!
The NOW 97.5 Van
Joan and Glenn
Glenn, Joan, Chris, Jason, Becky and Matt with our treats from Panera!
You can hear Joan on NOW 97.5 tomorrow morning in the 7 o'clock hour!
The NOW 97.5 Van
Joan and GlennGlenn, Joan, Chris, Jason, Becky and Matt with our treats from Panera!-Becky
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Cairnwood Gala
Last Friday we participated in the Cairnwood Gala, an annual charity event to support the ongoing work of preserving and restoring Cairnwood and its grounds. The inaugural Gala in 2008 raised over $45,000 for restoration and preservation projects at Cairnwood. These projects included restoring the entry gates to the estate on Huntingdon Pike and recreating the original Olmstead and Eliot designed path which leads from Cairnwood’s veranda to the Garden House. Funds were also used to reproduce, in historically accurate fashion, some of Cairnwood’s original rugs and runners.
Proceeds from this years Roaring 20's Gala will be used to restore the Cairnwood Garden House and adapt it for reuse as an accessible and inviting education center which will be used to increase the exposure of Cairnwood and the Bryn Athyn Historic District.
-Becky
Proceeds from this years Roaring 20's Gala will be used to restore the Cairnwood Garden House and adapt it for reuse as an accessible and inviting education center which will be used to increase the exposure of Cairnwood and the Bryn Athyn Historic District.
I will post more about the Gala and those involved in the coming weeks, but here are a few teaser pictures, courtesy of the fabulous Jackie Bayne & Patrick Simione and Love Shack Photo.
-Becky
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