Love & Basketball

Kelly & Dayne
May 25, 2008
Hotel du Pont
Wilmington, DE
Web Site

The glorious Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont is a French Neoclassic ballroom, with gilded rosettes, glittering chandeliers and bas-reliefs of famous women including Helen of Troy and Cleopatra, and could not be more festive or extravagant.

I have said it before and I will say it again: If you have dreamed of a wedding day as near to perfection as humanly possible, the only location to consider is the Hotel du Pont. Their unprecedented attentiveness to detail is unparalleled. Their ability to satiate every need allows a bride and groom to relax and savor every moment.

Kelly and Dayne met while attending Lehigh University, both spending most of their time on the basketball courts, playing in front of thousands of screaming fans and the cameras of ESPN.

Dayne and Kelly spent a lot of time preparing an outstanding visual presentation for their friends and family, producing full-motion videos for their bridal party's introductions, the parents dances, and a ten minute video documenting their basketball careers, their lives, and Dayne's proposal to Kelly via a beach plane banner in Ocean City!

You didn't have to know Dayne and Kelly personally to be moved by the creativity displayed in their videos.

Congratulations, Kelly & Dayne!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Click here to see some GREAT photos taken by Mike Kehr!

Agenda

6:00-6:55 PM Cocktails

6:55 PM Grand Entrance
"Theme from Pirates of the Caribbean Megamix" remixed by Dayne Mickelson

7:00 PM First Dance
"Fields Of Gold" by Sting

7:05 PM Toasts & Blessing

7:15-8:30 PM Dinner

7:45 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler

7:50 PM Bride & Father Dance
"My Girl" by The Temptations

8:15 PM Cake Cutting
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole

8:20 PM Flambe Presentation
"Battle Without Honor Or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei

8:35 PM-11:00 PM Open Dancing

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Kelly & Dayne's comments about their wedding entertainment: "We wouldn't have wanted to have any other entertainment for our big day. From the first time we met Steve we knew we were in good hands and had nothing to worry about since it was under control of such a professional perfectionist. Our reception required some complex AV & coordination, and Steve was prepared for it all. He came well before everyone else and setup, testing everything in advance. The reception was nice and his music was great! Everyone had a wonderful time. We highly recommended Steve for any event!"Permalink

Welcoming Friends And Family "Home"

Jenn & Chris
May 24, 2008
Cairnwood
Bryn Athyn, PA
Web Site

Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Carrére and Hastings to be a home for the industrialist John Pitcairn and his young family, Cairnwood evokes the grandeur of the Gilded Age with its intimacy, beauty and elegance. While it maintains the atmosphere of a private home, it is available for events such as weddings, corporate entertaining, fund raising and social events of all kinds.

Because Cairnwood is a mansion, with its grand staircase, balconies and gardens, it becomes "yours" for the duration of the event. It feels as if you are welcoming guests to your very own home: one that’s spacious and warm and can hold all those you love on such a momentous occasion.

Jenn and Chris' friends and family made their way throughout the manor, enjoying a fine dining experience in several rooms (and under a tent covering the veranda) throughout the building, followed by dancing in the Library.

Several guests also took advantage of a special area prepared for them by the bride and groom, a cigar bar with a selection of top shelf bourbons and Ashton cigars. It was an instant transport back in time to an era enjoyed by the family who commissioned the building of Cairnwood. Personally, I thought it was a pretty ingenious touch of creativity.

The Great Hall hosted the bride and groom's first dance and a decadent display of desserts and assortment of coffees.

At the end, guests left the event feeling completely satiated and brimming over with memories of a lavish and fun affair!

Congratulations, Jenn & Chris!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

7:00-7:55 PM Cocktails

7:55 PM Grand Entrance
"Rock And Roll, Part II" by Gary Glitter

8:00 PM First Dance
"Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts

8:05 PM Bride & Father Dance
"The Way You Look Tonight" arranged by Alan Silvestri

8:10 PM Groom & Mother Dance
"My Wish" by Rascal Flatts

8:15 PM Blessing & Toasts

8:30-9:30 PM Dinner

9:30 PM Cake Cutting
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You" by James Taylor

9:35 PM-12:00 AM Open Dancing

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Jenn & Chris' comments about their wedding entertainment: "Steve was fantastic! He had everything set up early so he could come down to the church to introduce himself and ask if he could help us with anything. He had all the introductions and toasts in order (there were 5!). He had a really unique way of getting people out on the dance floor and kept them there the whole night. He was a HUGE help at the end of night, helping us pack up some leftover items. We also love the event blog he has and were thrilled to see some pictures he posted on it while we were on our honeymoon! A BIG rave for Steve!!"Permalink

Dining And Dancing On The Delaware River

Laura & Joseph
May 23, 2008
Moshulu
Philadelphia, PA
Web Site

Since the launching of the Moshulu (pronounced Mo-shoe'-loo) in 1904, she has had a long and exciting career on the seas working the ports of Europe, South America, Australia, America and Africa. She was confiscated by the Americans in one war and by the Germans in the next. She has traveled around Cape Horn 54 times. She has hauled coal and coke, copper ore and nitrate, lumber and grain. In lesser days, she has served as a floating warehouse. In grander days, she won the last great grain race in 1939. Today, the Moshulu is the largest four-masted sailing ship in the world still afloat.

On the day of Laura & Joseph's wedding, the weather was a very comfortable compliment to their open-air, top deck cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed cocktails and a spectacular view of the Delaware River, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the cityscape of Camden across the water.

When the friends and family made their way to the mid-deck's Orchid Room, Laura & Joseph's friend, Vince Schneider, was all ready to go for playing the music accompanying their first dance as husband and wife.

As you can see from the photos, the dance floor was pretty well packed from the moment dinner ended until it was time to head out!

On a side note, a quick comment about the cuisine at the Moshulu... While I was carrying my equipment aboard the Moshulu, I was stopped by a passerby who asked how I felt about the food served on the Moshulu.

"It depends...", I replied. "What dish stands out to you the most?", I asked, pointing at the menu mounted outside.

He asked if I was fond of the steak, to which I replied, "I would not recommend the steak."

When he asked why, I told him, "Because if you eat the Moshulu's steak, you will never want to eat steak anywhere else but here, ever again.".

In all seriousness, the food prepared by the chefs of the Moshulu is truly outstanding. I whole-heartedly recommend you find time to experience the work of their culinary masters!

Congratulations, Laura & Joseph!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

6:30-7:25 PM Cocktails

7:25 PM Grand Entrance
"Sexyback (Pokerface Remix)" by Justin Timberlake

7:30 PM First Dance
"If I Should Fall Behind" performed by Vince Schneider

7:35 PM Blessing & Toasts

7:40-8:30 PM Dinner

8:15 PM Bride & Father/Groom & Mother Dance
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow..." by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

8:35 PM-10:30 PM Open Dancing

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Laura & Joseph's comments about their wedding entertainment: "Steve was great! Because we were on the Moshulu, we had two different locations for our reception, and the music was great on both the top deck and in the Orchid Room! Steve kept the party jumping all night long and was especially helpful with our special soloist for the first dance. FIVE STARS! I recommend him to anyone!"Permalink

Rest In Peace, Bruce Keslar

Bruce Keslar, founder of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers, passed away last Saturday while returning home from his son's wedding reception.

Bruce started N.A.M.E. with one purpose: "To provide mobile entertainers access to all the tools they need to build, grow, and sustain their businesses."

All my thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce's family during this time of sadness.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM N.A.M.E. - Celebrating the Life of Bruce Keslar

Dear NAME Members, Sponsors, friends and family,

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Keslar, founder and National Director of NAME this past Saturday May 17th 2008. Bruce suffered a massive heart attack and passed on at Montgomery County Hospital.

Bruce dedicated his mind, body, soul and his life to the entertainment industry. Bruce was the founder and driving force behind both the original ADJA and more recently of NAME, as well as the recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award from Mobile Beat Magazine for his dedication and tireless work within the DJ and Entertainment Industry. Additionally, Bruce loved working as an entertainer and performed at over 2000 weddings during his 30 year entertainment career. On a daily basis Bruce continually sought to grow and enhance the DJ entertainment industry through strategic networking agreements, education, and reputable top quality entertainer benefits.

His vision and legacy lives on today thru NAME (National Association of Mobile Entertainers), which is quite possibly one of his proudest business accomplishments. NAME's ongoing growth, existing strength and responsive corporate staff are a testament to Bruce's vision and fortitude. The Association has been in the Keslar family for 17 years and will very proudly remain in the Keslar family. Carol his wife, whom many of you have most likely met at numerous conventions, will assume a more active corporate role as President. She will continue to be involved with Bruce's best intention and will continue in making Bruce's lifetime achievements grow even stronger.

Beth Price, who has been with NAME for over 7 years, will lead on a daily basis in the role of Managing National Director. Since NAME is still the only association with a full time staff, all operations, benefits and programs will remain intact and active, as Bruce would have wanted it. There will be no interruption in coverage's, renewals or new company, affiliate or corporate member enrollment. A more detailed corporate press release outlining our staff and modified responsibilities will appear on our web site within the next few days and an overview/tribute of Bruce's life will appear in our next magazine issue.

For questions or concerns feel free to contact our national office, however, we respectfully request that items not of immediate concern wait until we finish celebrating his life.

Bruce left behind a loving wife, Carol, 4 children and 7 granddaughters. We will all be celebrating the life of Bruce Keslar on Tuesday, May 27th, 10am to 12pm at the John R. Freed Funeral Home located on 124 N. Easton Rd. in Glenside, PA 19038.

Immediately following the viewing we will proceed to for the burial at The Hillside Cemetery on the corner of Susquehanna and Easton Rd. in Roslyn, PA.

If you are planning on attending the viewing or burial please contact NAME headquarters at 800.434.8274 or email NAME@nameentertainers.com.

In respect for the Keslar family any gifts or cards can be sent to:

349 N. York Rd. Suite 220
Willow Grove, PA 19090

The Autism Society of America will also be accepting donations in the name of Bruce Keslar on behalf of his granddaughter whom he deeply loved. NAME Headquarters will be closed Tuesday May 27th in remembrance of Bruce.

Sincerely,

The Entire Staff and Advisory board of the National Association of Mobile Entertainers

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Another Great Photo

This one comes from my friend on the other side of Pennsylvania, Jeremy Ganss of Jeremy Ganss Productions.

Apparently, the bride was really diggin' the music!

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Ek Bad A Samaaraoh

Swathi & Michael
May 16, 2008
Winterthur Museum
Winterthur, DE
Web Site

Nestled in the picturesque Brandywine Valley, halfway between New York City and Washington DC, Winterthur delights and inspires visitors of all ages and in every season.

In the early twentieth century, Henry Francis du Pont, the founder of Winterthur, assembled an unrivaled collection of early American antiques, displaying these in 175 period rooms of his country home; created a spectacular naturalistic garden; and developed a research library rich in art and history. Today, Winterthur continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to experience the many wonders of this unique national treasure.

This affair was beautifully appointed, not only by the elegant venue, but also with the superior level of floral aesthetics provided by the nearly incomparable Flowers By Yukie. To read more about the look of the event, check out Winterthur's blog, a well-kept journal maintained by one of the most organized event directors around, Nicole Bailey.

Swathi and Michael's largely Indian group of friends and family were not shy about celebrating the special occasion, filling the dance floor early on and enjoying a mixture of Bhangra, Hindi, and American music.

It didn't matter what was playing, EVERYONE was dancing non-stop until the night ended. It was a lot of fun for me too, since I don't often get to play music from India. You can check out some Bhangra music by either clicking here or watching the video below.

By the way, if you decide to check out the photos I shot at Swathi and Michael's wedding, be sure your speakers are on. As I usually do, I played the bride and groom's first dance song as the very last song of the evening. However, this time I played a special version of "What A Wonderful World" that includes an introduction by Louis Armstrong, explaining why he sang that song. It will almost definitely change your perception of what I formerly thought of as a quaint little song.

Congratulations, Swathi and Michael!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

6:30-7:25 PM Cocktails

7:30 PM Grand Entrance
"Beautiful Day" by U2

7:35 PM First Dance
"What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

7:40 PM Bride & Father/Groom & Mother Dance
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow..." by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

7:45 PM Blessing and Toasts

7:50-8:55 PM Dinner

8:55 PM Cake Cutting
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole

9:00 PM-11:00 PM Open Dancing

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2008 Best of The Knot Announced!

From finding the gown shop with the best service in Boston to the most professional wedding photographers in New York, Chicago's top cakes, and L.A.'s best-rated reception sites-wouldn't every engaged couple like to know the inside scoop from recent brides in their area?

The Knot, the #1 wedding website and most trusted multimedia wedding authority, announced the arrival on newsstands of The Knot Best of Weddings magazine, a "by brides for brides" guide to the top wedding sites, photographers, florists, and more in over 40 key cities across the United States.

Among the list of picks was Silver Sound!

The Knot conducted a massive survey of 25,000 recent brides and grooms-the first of its kind-to capture detailed feedback on every wedding business that couples hired, from reception sites to planners, cakes and limo companies. The newlyweds were asked to rate their vendors on multiple criteria, from creativity to professionalism, and to comment on their experiences. The resulting ratings-and detailed feedback-were aggregated by the editors of The Knot to create this one-of-a-kind publication highlighting the best wedding resources in each region according to local brides. The survey was administered by Harris Interactive.

Is that awesome or what?!?!?

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Toy Dan Sora Naghara!

Elizabeth & Chris
May 10, 2008
Radnor Valley Country Club
Villanova, PA
Web Site

The Radnor Valley Country Club, situated in the heart of Villanova, is an elegant Georgian style mansion with Contemporary flavor. As you enter the foyer, guests are welcomed with first-class sophistication, polished marble floors, and a cozy gas fireplace. The adjoining cocktail areas set the mood for any function with their oak wood beams and old world charm. These rooms also feature a skylight, a generously sized marble topped bar, opening to a picturesque veranda, perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception.

When Elizabeth and Chris' family and friends arrived, they were greeted by a string quartet playing elegant classical pieces, setting the mood for a high-class affair. When the bride and groom reached the country club, they took a stroll around the lush grounds and took several photos with one of my favorite photographers, Annie Hosfeld.

The guests were very vocal with their happiness with the new couple, sharing in five different toasts throughout the night. In addition, the night was filled with both American and Armenian music, with the dance floor seemingly always filled.

Because of where my equipment was placed in the spacious ballroom, I decided to treat the ballroom to four-corner sound, allowing the entire room to be covered in a comfortable level of sound. It kept the dance floor bouncing, but allowed everyone to speak with each other and not feel the necessity to raise their voice. Comfortable and classy. It worked out great.

I also want to extend special thanks to Stacey Herreid from Create The Moment for helping make this event flow so smoothly!

Congratulations, Elizabeth & Chris!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

6:00-6:55 PM Cocktails

7:00 PM Grand Entrance
Bridal Party: "First Tube" by Phish
Bride & Groom: "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles

7:05 PM First Dance
"If Not For You" by George Harrison

7:10 PM Blessing and Toasts

7:15-8:25 PM Dinner

7:45 PM Bride & Father/Groom & Mother Dance
"Moon River" by Andy Williams

8:25 PM-11:00 PM Open Dancing

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Elizabeth & Chris' comments about their wedding entertainment: "Steve was extremely professional and easy to work with throughout the planning process and on the day of our wedding. He was so responsive to all of our questions and happy to help. Everyone at our reception said Steve did a fabulous job and Chris and I couldn't agree more. I would highly recommend Steve for any event! He will make your day truly memorable!"Permalink

An Opulent Event At "The D"

Kimberly & Michael
May 9, 2008
The D at Deerfield
Newark, DE
Web Site

While I often try to establish a great relationship with each of my clients, it's not often that I make such a personal connection with a bride and groom. Right from the start, I genuinely enjoyed meeting and getting to know Kimberly and Michael.

The day was spiced with personal touches and flair all throughout the entire event. From the breathtaking, room-transforming look of the uplighting (provided by my friends at Eventions) to the origami paper cranes scattered on the guest tables, there were expressions of the couple everywhere you looked. The paper cranes were an observance of Kimberly's heritage and her dearly departed grandmother.

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. A thousand paper cranes is also traditionally given as a wedding gift by the folder, who is wishing a thousand years of happiness and prosperity upon the couple. It can also be gifted to a new baby for long life and good luck.

On a personal note, I was very humbled to find out that Kimberly had taken it upon herself to assume the exhausting life of an individual who works with mentally challenged children. As some of you reading this know, my son is diagnosed as being Autistic. It is because of people like Kimberly that children like my son can live a more well-adjusted life.

As thanks to Kimberly and her husband, I presented them with a gift. On their wedding day, it had been raining all day. Early in the morning, I placed a vial outside to collect the rain as it fell. By the time I was ready to leave, the vial was filled. After their ceremony, I presented the vial to Kimberly and Michael, telling them that on the day of their first child's Christening, they could baptise their baby with water that fell from above on the day they were married.

People who are not personally affected by Autism cannot imagine how hard it is for professionals like Kimberly, let alone the parents of children with Autism. It is for that reason that I was so thankful to be a part of their wedding day.

Congratulations, Kimberly & Michael!

Click here to see some photos from their event!

Agenda

5:30-5:55 PM Ceremony

6:00-6:55 PM Cocktails

7:00 PM Grand Entrance - Kimberly and Michael provided me with a script about each member of their bridal party and selected a song for each couple to enter the room to. Very cool!

Parents & Grandparents
Michael's Grandmother: "All Shook Up" by Elvis Presley
Kimberly's Grandparents: "Almost Like Being In Love" by Nat King Cole
Michael's Parents: "I Feel Good" by James Brown
Kimberly's Parents: "My Girl" by Temptations

Bridal Party
Autumn & Brett "Rock 'N Roll All Nite" by Kiss
Selina & Davidgene: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley
Christina, Nicole, & Lane: "I Just Wanna Love U" by Jay-Z
Lilliana & Caleb: "Kids In America" by Kim Wilde
Corrine & Matthew: "Let's Get It Started" by Black Eyed Peas
Jennifer & Robert: "Love Is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar

Bride & Groom
Kimberly & Michael: "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole

7:05 PM First Dance
"At Last" by Etta James

7:10 PM Blessing and Toasts

7:15-8:45 PM Dinner

7:40 PM Bride & Father Dance
"Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

8:50 PM Cake Cutting
"How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" by James Taylor

8:55 PM-11:00 PM Open Dancing

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