Thursday, October 24, 2013

Cleveland Wedding DJ Review: Galleria Wedding

Often when we meet with brides and grooms they have a vision. A desire to create the event of their dreams. Being entrusted with a lifetime event such as a wedding is a big responsibility. It's all about going the extra mile to make it happen. And in the end the rewards are awesome. Just read this comment from a recent wedding at The Galleria at Erieview in Cleveland.




Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Cleveland Brides See The Light

By now you have been to numerous Cleveland weddings that have had uplighting or other decor lighting effects. Most of which were provided by the DJ and in some cases a lighting company or wedding reception site. What you may not be aware of are the different types and specifications of fixtures necessary to provide the visually stunning look many brides and grooms seek. The Cleveland Wedding DJ's at Troy Entertainment would like to shed some light on what we have found to be the differences in just having free or cheap uplighting, and having the right lighting plan.

Some event lighting providers still use incandescent lighting fixtures to colorize the walls, tables, and ceilings at events. This is mainly because it would take a rather large reinvestment into LED based fixtures. Also at the time of the introduction of the new LED alternative the technology wasn't fully developed thus the brightness just wasn't there yet.  On the other hand LED fixtures require less power consumption and literally no heat compared to their incandescent counterparts. When planning "lightscaping" of a room one would have to keep in mind the fixtures may be sharing the same power circuit as the entertainment, coolers, or coffee machines.  Otherwise you could end up in the dark! Most par fixtures used a client specified color gel overlay that after hours of use and heat would undoubtedly "fade to clear" before the end of the evening.

The first generation of LED lights weren't without problems of their own. Most common were fixtures using multiple .1 millimeter diodes arranged in a pattern of RGB (Red, Green, Blue) rows. mixing the 3 colors and at different intensities gave various shades of complementary colors. This was a somewhat limited palate but acceptable at the time considering the alternative choices. These fixtures also gave off a color "bleed" effect and color "hot spots" on the targeted wall, ceiling, or floor. Color mixing wasn't all that good.

Now comes the good news. Todays newest fixtures use what is called a multi-colored diode that mixes the color behind the lens of a multi-lens fixture. They are now battery operated fixtures that can be driven for several hours before needing recharging so there is no unsightly or trip hazardous cording necessary. Quad color fixtures use RGBWA (Red, Green, Blue, White, and Amber) diodes behind the lens to extend your choices in colors! Add to that is the ability to control the fixtures (wireless DMX) without any cables interconnecting them to each other. This can be done by the DJ from their sound counsel.

Troy Entertainment can provide your with the latest lightscaping technologies available today. We have battery operated fixtures that can run for 20 hours before needing a recharge. They have powerful 5 watt multicolor RGBWA lenses, 12 to a fixture to provide an incredible amount of light that is totally wirelessly controllable.

We also use the best technology available for your personalized monogram gobo needs. In this case the older technology used for monograms is still better than the new LED choices. But the later is currently being used because it is simply cheaper to provide. We use Martin PR1 and ETC Source Four gobo projectors because their brightness and sharpness can't be beat.

To learn more about the amazing lighting options available for your Cleveland wedding reception please feel free to either comment below or simply give us a call at 440.238.9480 today. We promise you a brighter experience awaits :)


Cleveland Wedding DJ Lighting at The Galleria



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Y'all Havin' a Good Time?

Question, what is most important to brides planning a Cleveland Wedding?  The Cleveland Wedding DJ's at Troy Entertainment are told "I just want my guests to have fun and dance". Believe it or not "not falling when being introduced" is a close second. Although we may not be able to do much about brides keeping their balance, we can keep a balance of great energizing dance hits rolling to maximize participation on the dance floor and create a great vibe in the room.

How do they do it? Magic! Well sort of, we take your favorite songs and combine them with your guests requests and sprinkle in the DJ's ability to "think on their feet". Added to that it's "when you play what you play" as well as the skill set to mix them together in a logical order that works to raise the energy level. An uninterrupted beat that makes the guests scream and shout when they realize the songs change. Sounds exciting?  It sure is.

We love music and know you and your friends do too. Weddings pose an interesting scenario. It's like no other event a DJ will perform at. First you have the bride & Groom and their immediate family. Then you have your bridal party and piers mixed in with your friends from college. I'm sure you'll have plenty of aunts and uncles, various relatives, neighbors and coworkers too! You may have people from different geographical areas and with different mind sets. Unless you are socially connected to these people on a weekly basis you will probably be guessing as to what makes them get up and get down. That's no problem at all. We come prepared with the experience of thousands of events.

The Cleveland Wedding DJ's at Troy Entertainment will help you create the best possible plan to get the most out of your guests.  Equipped with loads of practical experience we will first meet with you and learn of your style and vision, then during the event we make ourselves approachable to your quests for requests and exude charisma.

The Cleveland Wedding DJ's at Troy Entertainment have Photo Booths, Uplighting, Monograms, Dance Floor Lighting Effects, and more. However, we are "music programmers and masters of ceremonies" first and foremost. Take a look at the video below. Listen to the crowd noise and the fun everyone is having. Hear from former brides and other wedding professionals as they are interviewed at the event here: Video Demos. Then come see us for a friendly in person consultation. This is the only way you'll know you have the right professional DJ for your once in a lifetime wedding reception.  Does this all sound good? it will sound great!





Please feel free to comment or give us a call. We love hearing from visitors and chatting about weddings.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Top 5 Wedding Trends for 2013

Cleveland DJ & event production experts at Troy Entertainment point out top wedding trends for 2013.

Mint will be the Top Color for 2013

Mint was huge on the runway and will be the popular color incorporated into 2013 weddings.  Mint is refreshing, soft and adaptable into many elements of your 2013 wedding. From bridesmaids dresses, jewelry, shoes, wedding cake, centerpieces…use your imagination the ideas are endless! Many of those items incorporating the popular color can be found at Catan Bridal.

Feather Centerpieces

New for 2013 is the unique wedding trend of using peacock and ostrich feathers to decorate guest tables.  These feathers come in various shades so you can decorate your centerpieces in your favorite wedding color. Combine flowers with feathers or opt for a feather-only look.  We suggest you look at Socially Artistic Events to explore the possibilities in floral, feather and other new trendy design ideas.

Wedding Photo Booths

While photo booths have been the trend for a year or two, the new trend for 2013 wedding reception planning is to have a more upscale elegantly presented wedding photo booth.  The photo booth has evolved from the mall style or homemade ones first offered to one that matches the upscale glamorous wedding brides are planning.   The new trend in 2013 weddings is the “Wedding White Photo Booth” which features an eye pleasing white booth with beautiful white curtains that compliment the décor of the occasion.

Décor Uplighting

In 2013 wedding planning is all about simplicity and glamour while being cost effective! Décor Uplighting takes the plain and ordinary look and feel of the otherwise unembellished wedding reception space and transforms it to the beautiful hues and tones you prefer for your soirée. Use the accenting colors of your table linens, centerpieces, napkins and chair covers or even opt for the elegance and formal sophistication of white. The choices are all yours!  Uplighting can make this dramatic improvement at the fraction of the cost of other décor enhancing options.  Your DJ entertainment company is probably the best choice to provide you with décor uplighting by excluding delivery and removal fees common with outside lighting companies.  You can explore the possibilities at this link to Décor Uplighting.

Night Bites

One of the most popular trends of 2013 wedding receptions is having a display of fun foods for a late night snack prior to the bride and grooms farewell exit.  Everything from hot dog stations to taco bars have become excellent ideas to wind up a night of dancing and celebration. Most couples claim that the time will fly quickly and look to continue the party to the very last song. Adding late night social activity such as food stations or breakfast buffet will also slow the consumption of alcohol and relieve responsibility concerns.  Your caterer can offer these services in a creative display reflecting your personalities and preferences or you  can even choose local fast food delivered!




Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cleveland Wedding DJ "Keeping it Fresh"!

Let's talk about our favorite subject "Wedding Entertainment". In the beginning Troy Entertainment looked at the Cleveland wedding DJ entertainment market and seen what was being addressed and assessed what needed to change. For example the market had very few interactive or entertaining DJ entertainment options and those that were focused on themselves and not the guests of honor (bride and groom) and their guests. To this day when asked "what is most important to you about your wedding" the prevailing response is "I want my guests to have fun".  This is why we became the first and continue to utilize the idea of using the audience as the "stars of the show".  Rather than having everyone focus on us, we cast the focus to an active dance floor.

The thing that we enjoy most about weddings is that the guest list is usually comprised of a diverse mix of people.  Everyone from the bride and grooms friends and family to neighbors and co-workers. There is commonly a wide range on ages present and people from near and far attend this once in a lifetime event. The premise that is usually implied is that a DJ will "read the crowd" when in actuality that is not very likely since nobody can read minds. For sensible results we make ourselves more approachable. What appears to be as subtle as a natural friendly presence is highly effective in connecting with the audience.  It's that charismatic way of presenting yourself to the guests that conveys comradery. Enthusiasm is contagious.

The other thing that is so grand about providing wedding DJ entertainment is that it is in a continues state of change that is in sync with trends in music and fashion. Let's discuss trends.  We have seen so many fads come and go. Group participation dance fads like the Electric Slide, Macarena, , Soulja Boy, the Doggie, Cha-Cha Slide, and the Cupid Shuffle. The latest being the Harlem Shake . The ability for a wedding DJ company to spot new trends and keep the package fresh is highly important. This doesn't mean that keeping it fresh would exclude music that stands "the test of time". Even music of the older generation has seen a rebirth in popularity. Wedding DJ's have seen the rebirth of the "Big 80's", or what about a few years ago when "Swing" was in again. Specific songs become replays like "Don't Stop Believing"  and "Living on a Prayer". A good DJ with talent will also know when a music trend or popularity has fallen which usually occurs if and when it is overplayed or it has simply run it's course. Yet some music becomes what we refer to as "musical staples" and has achieved longevity.

This brings us to today's bride and what her wants and needs are. If you are Cleveland area bride planning for that big day the key to a successful wedding reception is to select entertainment that is fresh with what the current trends and even traditions are, a company that is right for your event and your diverse guest list. Cleveland Wedding DJ's can only be judged by what they have done.  A proven track record and what their recent clients say about their experiences with that DJ company. We'd like you to consider us for your reception as we would be honored to combine our talents, experience and "fresh" approach with your preferences to reach our common goal of "everyone having fun".

To see and hear our recent weddings events you can follow this link: Weddings and Client Interviews. If you would like us to personally reach out and connect with you we'd love to do so. Tell us about your event here: Let's Chat!

Below is a picture from way back in time to our exciting beginnings.  Boy have things changed! but it sure was fun :)


Monday, February 18, 2013

Preparedness - Are they Ready?

This weeks Cleveland wedding DJ blog post for Troy Entertainment is an observation recently made while we were on vacation. Kimberley and I were on a cruise vacation aboard the Royal Caribbean's Alure of the Seas the week of February 3rd through the 10th. Yes, that is Superbowl XLVII Sunday and if your up on current events it is also the week that the Carnival Triumph left passengers stranded for 5 days with little in the way of the vacation they dreamed of and expected.

First, if you can imagine the enormous pressure in producing an event such as the Superbowl. Housing an event of 71,024 attendees and broadcasting to over 111 million viewers globally with a 20 minute halftime show that is rolled onto and off the playing field within minutes!  Shortly after the Superbowl Halftime performance of Beyonce the lights go out! was there panic, bedlam, a riot? No, the announcers equipped with earpieces where most likely informed of a situation and were instructed to stretch it out, talk through the happens of the first half, and roll to commercials, etc. while people behind the scenes worked the problem. Did they instantly know where to look and how long it would take? Probably not., but they had expert people with loads of experience on how isolate the problem, talent that can improvise to buy them time, and a contingency plan. Later they found that the issue was the "backup" power system that is used in case of power outages, lol. Neither the less, they remained calm and the show went on. How does this relate to Brides and Grooms on their wedding day? This is what "professionals" do at live events! You can plan for everything to run smooth, however you want to make sure you have the right people with talent and experience just in case the unexpected were to happen.

Later that week while we were enjoying our cruise we caught news coverage on CNN about the Carnival Triumph having a engine fire causing the ship lose electricity, air conditioning, and plumbing. If you could imagine these passengers boarding the ship expecting the times of their lives. eating, drinking, site seeing, dancing, and entertainment only to be left stranded out in the middle of the sea with little in the way of the basic accommodations  Yet, when it was all over one the thing that prevailed according to interviews with passengers aboard the ship during the ordeal was that the "Staff" of the cruise line kept people calm, remained pleasant and helped in any way they could to make good out of a terrible situation. This again is something "well trained" individuals do in the event of an unexpected situation. They remained calm,  worked at keeping the guests comfrtable, and kept upbeat while the other professionals on staff worked the problem.

If we learn anything relative from this it could be that when expectations are high and since the unexpected can happen it may be worth the "peace of mind" that comes with hiring professionals with proven "talent and experience" to handle your "once in a lifetime" event.

See and hear from our clients at our video demos and client interviews page.  Learn more about the talented professional Cleveland wedding and event DJ's at Troy Entertainment by filing out the contact us form or calling 440.238.9480.


Friday, February 1, 2013

Wedding & Event Showcase Event Planners VIP with David Tutera

Thursday Jan 31st the Cleveland wedding DJs & lighting staff of Troy Entertainment joined Cleveland's top wedding professionals for a VIP meet & greet with David Tutera.

David, the Wedding Planner of the Stars and star of "My Fair Wedding" on WE TV did his morning show rounds at Fox 8 studios prior to arriving at Catan's Fashion in Strongsville. The event was deliciously catered by Zack Bruelle. After catching up with the who's who in Cleveland's wedding planning industry we all had an opportunity to take some photos with David.

Lines formed as preregistered brides-to-be filed in to get a change to hear David speak about Dreaming Bigger and provide tips on planning the event of a lifetime. There was a wonderfully produced fashion show of the latest in bridal gowns and Patrice Catan, owner of Catan's Fashions provided some insight as to the new and exciting things Catan's and Socially Artistic Events offers.

We provided decor uplighting and monogram gobo projection in the display rooms to give brides a look as to what can be made possible.  They also had the chance to meet David and take photos as well as receive autographed promo pictures.

There were representatives of local event catering and several well respected wedding planners that we have worked with many times. It was great to be able to catch up with others after the very busy 2012 bridal season.

Afterwords, we went to dinner at J-Bella Italian restaurant with Niky and Alina of Party Decor. They are our favorite and one of the most popular companies in decor that includes table linens, chairs and covers, mandaps, and draped fabrics. As we were finishing Patrice Catan and her staff along with David Tutera had walked in to relax and enjoy a late dinner as well. So we all joined together for some stories and laughs.

Below is my photo opp with David and more can be found on the Mystic Image facebook page.




Tuesday, January 22, 2013

New Trendy Idea for your Cleveland Wedding!


Those that are familiar with Troy Entertainment Wedding & Event DJ Productions know that at the start of each year we look for new and exciting ideas.  This year is no exception.  Brides and grooms looking to add a splash of fun and excitement to their wedding reception now have a new trendy option to include in their entertainment package with our “Wedding Lantern Release”.

If you've never heard of these, here is a brief explanation:
The lanterns are airborne paper lanterns traditionally found in some Asian cultures. They are made from rice paper on a bamboo frame, and contain a small fuel cake composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame from the burning fuel cake heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density causing the lantern to rise into the air. The lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern will float back to the ground. They are very eco-friendly and they create a very dramatic effect for all of the your guests to see.

Our Lanterns can be used during the day or night and although colored lanterns can be used for a daytime display they still do not match the dramatic effect of an evening release.


Another great idea is to have your wedding guests write their own good luck messages on the lanterns before releasing them. It is said that by writing a wish on a lantern before its release, ones bad luck; ill feeling and misfortunes are given to the heavens. As the wedding wish lantern rises it takes away your trouble and sends fortune & prosperity.

If you are having an outdoor event or have access to an outdoor patio just outside your ballroom, this can be made into an exciting guest participation activity at the end of the reception during the bride and grooms departure as the official honeymoon send off.  

Feel free to give us a call to explore this and other add-on options to your event with Troy Entertainment Wedding & Event Productions.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Cleveland DJ Troy Entertainment Wins Couples Choice Award 2017



Cleveland, Ohio – January 10, 2017 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, is thrilled to announce that Troy Entertainment DJ & Event Production Company has been selected as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ 2013 for Wedding DJ in Cleveland Ohio!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Troy Entertainment’s selection as a Couple's Choice Award 2017 winner was selected based on the positive experiences expressed by past clients on WeddingWire, the world’s largest wedding review site with over one million reviews.  While many industry awards are given by the host organization, the WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ winners are determined solely based on reviews from real newlyweds and their experiences working with Troy Entertainment.

The WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ 2017 are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on professional achievements from the previous year. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.  As a Couples' Choice Awards winner, Troy Entertainment is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States, Canada and abroad.

“Each year, WeddingWire looks forward to celebrating the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Now in its eight year, the Couples' Choice Awards™ program continues to recognize  the elite wedding professionals who exemplify a commitment to quality, service and professionalism. These businesses were chosen by our bridal community for their responsiveness and dedication to their clients over the past year. We are honored to recognize Troy Entertainment for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry.” 

Troy Entertainment is thrilled to be one of the top Wedding DJ's in Cleveland, Ohio in the WeddingWire Network of sites, which include leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee.

"Again, we would like to express our gratitude to all of you.  We feel so fortunate to have such great clients that fill our lives with joy and offer us such amazing opportunities". - Troy Entertainment

Cleveland-DJ-Troy-Entertainment-Court-House-Wedding-Monogram.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

The Anatomy of a Wedding Reception: “Making it Flo”.


The Troy Entertainment DJ’s philosophy on wedding flow and getting the party started!

It’s been said many times “ I want my wedding to have good flow”. This article will provide you with insight on some of the ideas and techniques we utilize to create not only good transitions between formalities but also how we achieve the wanted response from your guests, whether we are trying to move them into a mood, a seat, or onto the dance floor.

Each wedding reception we do can have several components or formalities. Most weddings will start with a bed of music during cocktail hour. For a moment think about the time your guests arrive. They enter the room slightly self-conscious and may go straight to the bar or they may try to locate a friend or group familiar to them. The DJ’s music should be uplifting but at a comfortable level. Music sometimes termed as “elevator music” may be too mundane and not inspiring enough to create what we call a “party mood” in the room. During cocktail hour sound level is extremely important, if kept just right guests will not have to strain to talk to one another.

Now it comes to the time to get your wedding guests into a seat.  For the DJ this is a process. Think about what people are doing at this point in the evening. They are in the middle of conversations and they have had a few cocktails.  You can hear that “buzz in the room”.  For this reason our DJ’s use what we call the “3 times a charm” method of DJ announcements. We repeat the information 3 times in the body of the same announcement. For example, if the DJ just opened up the microphone and said “We would like to have everyone find the seats” Most guests would probably miss the announcement entirely. Using the 3 times method and saying something like “Ladies and gentlemen, please find you tables and your seats, the introductions of the evening are next as soon as we get everyone comfortably seated, so once again let’s find our tables and our seats, thank you”. The first time they notice something is said, the second time they listen, and the third imbeds the information.

During dinner is a good time to play those smooth selections and keep it mellow to provide a comfortable backdrop so your guests can enjoy their meals and converse some more.

Let the dancing begin!  A novice DJ would think all you have to do is play the current hottest song and guests will come running to the floor. How often have you seen that a good song is played by the DJ yet nobody wants to “break the ice” and be first on the floor? This is common but there is an easy fix. First, let’s think about what we do know about the guests at wedding. In general  you have couples in attendance and we know men don’t dance much. They can however be made to feel obligated to dance. Our DJ’s can use several methods or tactics to start the night. We may use “peer pressure” to get them to commit to at least one dance and that’s how we will get are best chance to kick start the party.  Our DJ may say something like “Gentlemen, we want you to take your significant other, be it your wife, girlfriend, or date by the hand and look her in the eyes and ask her for this first slow dance of the evening”.  The minute some other guy does this you can bet most men will circum to the social pressure. Once the dance floor ice is broken you can bet all couples will follow.

Now Our DJ has a good opportunity to launch the party. He has all the couples on the floor. They are within crowd so they don’t feel like everyone is looking at them.  So what will we do next?  We then can pull out that popular song that has mass appeal and get the crowd moving.  We sometimes pass out “party enhancers” right before the transition from the slow song to the first dance hit just to keep the non-dancers engaged. Not everyone can bust a move, but they will waive a wand or shake a LED baton in the air with their friends!

We love talking to people about how we do what we do. If you have and comments or questions please feel free to ask. You are always welcome to see what our clients are saying at their event on our Youtube channel.


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Planning a Cleveland Wedding?

Insight on Cleveland wedding DJ entertainment:
Most couples who are planning a wedding reception share a common desire or goal. They want the wedding DJ to fill the dance floor from the beginning to the end and they want their guests to have fun. So let’s look into what makes a wedding reception such a unique set of circumstances.

First, most wedding receptions are frequented by a wide range on ages from grandparents to siblings, as well as friends, relatives and co-workers. Unless you are socially connected to these people on a weekly basis you really wouldn't be able to determine what would drive them to the dance floor. That’s the reason various genres of music should be chosen as well allowing the DJ to exercise their ability feel out the crowd and try various styles of dance music. This broad range approach to music programming from the very beginning of the dancing portion of the wedding reception will send the message to the audience that there will be something for everybody from the very start.

The second thing to keep in mind about wedding reception entertainment is that the DJ is limited to playing danceable music and that those selections are a qualified hit. That means it’s either popular at the moment, a recurrent hit, or a hit that stands the test of time. You have to determine if the request is dance music or just good listening music, if your ultimate goal is to drive guest to the dance floor.

A good wedding DJ will arrange music into sets. These sets will fit together in a way that not only seamlessly transitions from song to song but builds energy and excitement. A good Wedding DJ will be able to use various mixing techniques to smoothly blend in an out of dance music or change the genre of the music without losing the floor. A good wedding DJ will also be able to play requests by fitting them into a set at the best harmonic and sensible time within the music program.

Slow music is a very important tool used by wedding DJ’s as it will most likely ensure to get everyone, especially guys with their dates to participate.

What separated wedding DJ’s from one another is talent and experience. Talent in this case is having a musical vocabulary in their head that they can draw upon almost instantly. If your requests include Motown and you like “sugar pie, honey bunch (can’t help myself) you’ll probably like “build me up buttercup” as well. And if guests request Pitbull they probable like Flo Rida too.

Lastly, you should always leave room for your guests to make requests. The wedding DJ should have that "approachable personality" that makes guests feel welcome to stop by the DJ booth. A mix of the couples requests, request from the guests, and the wedding DJ's ability to “think on their feet” will ensure your wedding reception is a dance floor hit for you and your guests.


Cleveland Wedding DJs from Troy Entertainment keep the dance floor packed
photograph provided by Making The Moment Photography