Cool Apps for the Bride on the Go!

Had some time today to surf the web and catch up to what's new and exciting as we gear up for another busy wedding season in 2014. So...as I Googled around the net and found this cool app for both Android and Apple devices.

What I found most interesting and charming is the features of the "Wedding Countdown Widget". Unlike other apps of it's kind, when someone asks: "When is your wedding?", You can now say: "After 480 kisses!", OR "In 178,326 heartbeats!" OR "In precisely 184,072 minutes "Sharing your countdown via Email or Facebook! It's fun!, Wedding Countdown can countdown your wedding in many different units! Years, Months, Days, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Heartbeats or Kisses! There's more: How about a Wedding countdown that can automatically turn into an Anniversary countdown after your Wedding! 

Visit http://www.sevenlogics.com/products/#wedding and tell them Troy Entertainment sent you :)

Tell me what you think these apps or any ones you found most useful for your wedding day planning?

Cleveland Wedding Couples Choice Awards 2014

Cleveland, Ohio – January 23, 2014 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading online wedding marketplace, named Troy Entertainment as a winner of the prestigious WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ 2014 for Wedding DJ Entertainment & Event Production in Cleveland, Ohio! 

The WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ 2014 recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The esteemed awards are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their professional achievements from the previous year.

While many industry award winners are selected 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. Award-winning vendors are distinguished for the quality, quantity, consistency and timeliness of the reviews they have received from their past clients.

"There's no better way to start the year than by honoring the hard work, commitment and success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Network," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "It is exciting to celebrate a sixth year recognizing businesses whose clients believe they are committed to quality, professionalism and all around top-notch service. We are honored to recognize Troy Entertainment for their impressive achievements within the wedding industry."

As a Couples' Choice Awards™ winner, Troy Entertainment is highlighted within the WeddingWire Network, which is comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout North America and abroad.

Troy Entertainment is proud to be one of the top Wedding DJ Entertainment & Event Production companies in Cleveland, Ohio! in the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding sites such as WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. We value all of our clients and truly appreciate the positive feedback that helped us earn the WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards™ 2014.

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.

Post by Troy Entertainment.

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

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.

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!

 

 

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 :)