Hello From The Otherside

Couples using wedding checklists will find that the time frame to hire your DJ is generally 12 to 14 months prior to the date of the reception. Hiring your DJ early in the planning process is important for several reasons.

Many top tiered DJ’s can be under contract for your special day. It’s not uncommon for couples to book as long as 18 months out so they can work with the DJ they want. Since the DJ is an integral part of your reception it’s best to book as early as possible.

The DJ should be your partner in the planning process. I stress this point to each potential client. The more time I have to know my clients the better I can help them realize their vision. During consultations we can discuss trends in music and lighting, as well DYI projects. I can also share ideas from previous weddings that I think may be a good fit for the event I’m working on.

It’s never to early to book your DJ, in this case DJ Lori B.

 

 

 

 

Weather Be Good

Spring is fast approaching and that means “wedding” season is right around the corner. Weddings in New England especially outdoor weddings are becoming more and popular as unique venues open their spaces for ceremonies and receptions.

One of the few challenges with outdoor events is the weather. Weather is the one condition that can’t be controlled even with the best preparation.

Kirsten and Mike were married at the Crumpin Fox Golf Course in Bernardston, MA. 4 tents were set up for a beautiful ceremony and reception. That changed about 30 minutes before the start of their ceremony. Severe rain and thunder rolled through the area and a micro-burst landed about 1 mile from the course. Needless to say both the ceremony and reception were pushed back. During that time I was under “the big tent” crossing my fingers that the tent would not blow away. Mother Nature came through with better weather and DJ Lori B rocked the party.

The two video’s show the before and after from the micro-burst.

 

 

 

2014 The Year In Review

2014 was a fabulous year for Martini Productions and DJ Lori B. There were so many wonderful events it was hard to collect them all for this post.

Matt and Samantha’s wedding reception was in June was at the Log Cabin. Over 275 guests attended and the party started early; before the end of dinner. I played classic ballads to open up the dance floor.

The video shows all the high energy, color and excitement during the party portion of the reception.

 

Samantha and Matt

Where To See DJ Lori B-Fall 2014

I’m excited to be hosting Slainte’s Halloween Party on Friday October 31 from 7PM-10PM. Ticket’s are $15 and includes one drink and hot appetizers. There will be a costume contest and giveaways all night. The Theme for the evening is “Rocky Horror”

Slainte is located on Jarvis Avenue in Holyoke, MA.

Breaking Barriers

Post Theme Song: Happy; Pharrell  Williams

Ten years ago on May 17, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to honor and celebrate same sex unions. Legally same sex couples can “marry” and receive benefits like traditional couples.

Gone are the days when, on behalf of my clients, I would call venues and other vendors to see if they would be comfortable working with same sex couples.

I’m grateful to have played a role in working with same sex couples. Their events are just as meaningful and emotional as traditional couples and their parties ROCK.

Below is a video & picture of Jen & Shannon who were married at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. Their reception was full of love, lot’s of family and lot’s of dancing.

Jen & Shannon Ducharme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer and Sandy were married at Stanley Park in Westfield, MA with their reception at the Ludlow Country. This reception was high energy and a whole lot of fun.

The Follands

Where to see DJ Lori B-Winter 2014

I’m excited to be performing at the following public events:

January 10, 2014. Post holiday party at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. 6PM until midnight. http://logcabin-delaney.com/events/public-events/holiday-events-2

January 25, 2014. The Inaugural Ball for Holyoke Mayor elect Alex Morse at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. 6PM until midnight.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-morses-inaugural-ball-tickets-9262013933

February 1, 2014. Inaugural Bash for Holyoke Mayor elect Alex Morse at Gateway City Arts in Holyoke, MA. 7PM until midnight.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mayors-inaugural-bash-at-gateway-city-arts-tickets-9975939303

In 2012 I DJed the Mayor’s Bash at Open Square in Holyoke, MA. If you want a non-stop dance party then this is the event for you.

Below is a picture from the 2014 re-election party for Alex Morse.

Mayor Alex Morse Victory Party

 

2013 Weddings -The Year In Review

In my opinion, weddings this year have been about the ceremony. Different, meaningful and emotional. Many wedding couples opted for unique venues that also offered farm fresh vegetables, fruit, local beer and wine as part of their special celebrations.

I had the pleasure this year to work at some new and remodeled locations including Quonquont Farm in Whately, MA, BlackBirch Vineyard in Southampton, MA, Smith College Conference Center in Northampton, MA , Crestview Country Club in Longmeadow, MA, Greenfield Country Club in Greenfield, MA and Chrissy Farm in The Berkshires.

In addition to the new venues; I also performed at The Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA, Ludlow Country Club in Ludlow, MA, Storrowtown Tavern, in West Springfield, MA and The Publick House in Sturbridge, MA.

Below are two beautiful ceremonial video’s. One was from a ceremony at Quonquont Farm in July with Kathleen and her mom Dorothy. The other is from a ceremony at BlackBirch Vineyard which overlooks The Range at Mount Tom. The wedding was in September and Kelli is walking with her dad,  AKA Mr. Bob Kraft-Lol.

The Big One-Jay and Mia’s Wedding

Post Theme Song:

Brothers and Sisters-Coldplay

Over the next few weeks I’m going to update readers about my brother Jay’s upcoming wedding over Memorial Day weekend. Not only will I be working the reception; I’m going to be a bridesmaid as well. The good news is I am a good multi-tasker.

It’s just about 8 weeks until the reception and there are a lot of moving parts on both sides. Extended families, folks traveling from long distances, pregnant (not me) bridesmaids, and a “destination wedding ” to coordinate from 160 miles away.

I love my future sister-in-law Mia. We are sisters and both subscribe to the “easy button” when it’s comes to planning events. It’s one thing to be the DJ on the outside looking in, and another being a DJ, bridesmaid and mental health counselor. I have lots of tales to share for future wedding couple so stay tuned.

Below is a picture taken over the Christmas holiday’s of Mia, my brother Jay and niece & godchild Giovanna. G baby rocks.

Family and fun times

Where to See DJ Lori B-Winter 2013

I will be performing at the Log Cabin in Holyoke MA on January 4 and January 12. The Cabin will be hosting post holiday small group parties. For more information please visit http://www.logcabin-delaney.com/events.

On Sunday January 20,  I’ll be dropping beats for a Diva’s Tea Dance starting at 3 PM. Diva’s nightclub in located in Northampton, MA. This is an open event and the play list will include classic dance hits and remixes from the 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s and today. Tea Dances are a great way to to meet, mingle and reconnect with old friends.

The video below was taken at the Log Cabin this past summer during Joyce and Julie Watson’s wedding reception. I love the bright hot purple up lighting and energy on the dance floor. Quite a contrast from the cold and dullness of winter.

Light Light Baby

Post Theme Songs:

Lights-Ellie Goulding

Every Light In The House-Trace Adkins

Hit The Lights-Jay Sean

Ray Of Light-Madonna

I’ve been a fan of up lighting for years even before LED technology was ever born. There is something to be said and seen when adding color to a room.

The picture below is from a recent wedding reception at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. It’s hard not to be drawn to the action with so much beautiful color popping from the room.

I recently upgraded my lighting fixtures to the American DJ’s QA5 Flat Par. I love these lights and used them in the room above. They are easier to set, have more static colors, stronger beams and include the color amber. This color allows for more creative coloring especially during the fall wedding season.

When I meet with clients to discuss up lighting I try to replicate the scenario in which the lights will be used. The real beauty of these lights are best seen in person and not in pictures.

There is no right or wrong color for an event. Couples may opt to use a color that compliments the bridal party colors and linens, while others may choose more vivid and vibrant colors.

I’m currently working with a couple from California. Their October event will be in the Southampton Room at the Log Cabin. I suggested that they consider going two tone, blue and purple. When we met I darkened the room as best I could and set the fixtures. The color and look was amazing. Their bold approach will be perfect in a room decorated with tasteful wood moulding and a beautiful mahogany bar.