Wedding Tip #9 - Include Others Besides Wedding Party In Activities

It is often difficult to choose who among your family and friends will stand by your side when you exchange vows. As you try not to hurt anyone’s feelings, you may find yourself troubled because you did not ask someone to be a bridesmaid or a groomsman. No worries. There are many additional ways you can include other family and friends in your celebration. For example, at the ceremony you could have them be an usher, read a poem or scripture, light side candles for the unity candle, place vessels for a sand-pouring, etc. At the reception, you could have them be a gift table/guest book attendant, say a blessing before the meal, make a toast, assist with a money dance, pass out favors, etc. Be creative and consider asking your professional disc jockey/emcee for suggestions.

Wedding Experts Unite At Doubletree Hotel Sacramento

On Thursday April 15, 2010, 5:00-9:00 p.m. join us for a private wedding fair at the Doubletree Hotel Sacramento, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento CA 95815 where you can consult with industry experts to create your dream wedding! Win a trip to the California Wine Country! $10 charitable donation at door, 100% of donations benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital.

Wedding Tip #8 - Parent-Child Dances - All in the Family

Most fathers look forward to the Father-Daughter dance, just as most mothers look forward to the Mother-Son dance. Neither parent may want to share the spotlight with anyone else. If one parent is self-conscious about dancing, however, perhaps combine the father-daughter and mother-son dances with a song that would suit both parents. If a step-parent has played a significant role in your life and your parent would not mind, perhaps have your step-parent “cut-in.” Otherwise, consider playing a separate song for your step-parent. If a parent has passed on, perhaps have your new parent-in-law honor their memory by dancing with you, which likewise could serve as a way to welcome you into their family. A professional disc jockey/emcee will be able to properly introduce these dances to smoothly handle any transitions.

Wedding Tip #7 - Relax, Enjoy & Have Fun!

In comparison to all the time spent planning your wedding, the time actually spent during your wedding day will seem to just fly by. Relax, take time to enjoy the festivities, and have fun! When the celebration is over, you will be left with your photos and memories. It’s the photographer’s job to capture the special moments, but it's the disc jockey/emcee's job to help create those moments. Choose a professional disc jockey/emcee who will help you to create a unique, unforgettable celebration!

Wedding Tip #6 - Set The Tone of Your Celebration

Guests usually follow the bride and groom’s lead. The more the couple gets out on the dance floor, the more inclined their guests will be to join them. So set the tone of your celebration by dancing with each other (and your guests) as much as possible! If one of you is more of a wallflower, then don't hold the other back, but instead encourage your new spouse to express herself/himself and dance when the mood strikes. If both of you would prefer to cool your heels, share that in advance with your professional disc jockey/emcee so he can plan to use other techniques to draw your guests to the dance floor.

JD Firestone (JD the DJ) Receives AfWPI Team Spirit Award!

On February 2, 2010, Kami Storz (Sound Image Entertainment) presented JD Firestone (JD the DJ) of JD Productions Quality DJ Entertainment with the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AfWPI) Team Spirit Award for 2009. The award recognizes additional efforts in promoting the association and encouraging member unity, which is not just for the recipient's own benefit, but for their fellow wedding and event professionals, and ultimately the Brides and Grooms for whom they proudly work. Kami described JD as: someone you can count on; when he commits, no doubt he will follow through; he has promoted AfWPI throughout the whole year with excitement, generosity, and unfailing loyalty; and above all, he is dedicated to the wedding and musical entertainment industry. In receiving the award, JD said "I'm definitely a team player, but that's because I have such a good team to play on with my fellow wedding professionals in AfWPI!" (photo: Cheryl & JD Firestone)

And AfWPI President's Award Goes To ...

On February 2, 2010, JD Firestone (JD the DJ) of JD Productions Quality DJ Entertainment proudly presented the Association for Wedding Professionals International (AfWPI) President's Award to the member whom President and Vice President, Richard and Julia Markel, feel has set the best example of leadership throughout the past year. The award went not to one, but to many -- the AfWPI Advisory Board as a whole: Darci Swedelson (A Dazzling Day By Darcie/Slip of Elegance), Jeff Sharpe (Sharpe Photographers), Mike Anderson (Creative Memories Entertainment), Doug Lavine (Music on the Move DJs & MCs), Chris Kight (Christopher Kight Photographers), and Rick Francis (Action Plan Consulting). Congratulations to the recipients!