A Step Above the Same Old!

Catch a glimpse behind the scenes of a Something New Bride's Wedding in this interview with real-life Something New Bride Michelle Horton!  Special thanks to Life's Moments Photography for allowing us to share some of the special moments of Michelle and Erik's day in photographic form!  Thanks, Steve!

Justin, Missy, Anna-

We can’t thank you all enough for such a wonderful time at our wedding! We still keep thinking about how much fun it was! We can’t wait to see the video our videographer made because we know that it will bring a smile to our faces!

We want to recommend you to everyone we know, partly to ensure we will have a great time haha and more importantly so they can rest assured that they are getting THE very best.

Justin, I can’t tell you how many compliments/comments I received about how incredibly kind you were and so helpful. Whether it be you offering the wedding party drinks or keeping the party rolling, you ultimately impressed everyone. I can’t thank you enough for everything!

- Michelle

Just Married! Photo by Life's Moments Photography

Something New's DJ Missy P.: How did you first find out about Something New Entertainment DJ Service?

Michelle Horton: Being the crazy dancers that we are, we just so happen to win the Battle of the Grooms dancing contest at the Today's Bride bridal show in Akron at the Sheraton and won a fabulous gift bag from Something New.  We went over to talk to Anna and Justin and just felt like they really cared about their clients and they just let off a great vibe.

SNE: What made Something New DJs stand out as the right choice for your wedding ceremony accompaniment and wedding reception disc jockey service/master of ceremonies (DJ/MC)?

Michelle: We saw that they were real people who viewed us the same way. They were always very concerned with our concerns and made us feel like they not only knew what they were doing but they also ENJOYED what they were doing. We knew this would show through on our big day.... I knew as soon as we walked in with our introduction song [(I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas)] that it was really “GONNA BE A GOOD NIGHT”!

Dancing! Photo by Life's Moments Photography

I can honestly say I have never seen a dance floor so packed at a wedding and I believe that is not only because my friends and family are awesome but because Missy and Justin from Something New Entertainment really brought their A game and made the night a true hit. I may be biased but I’ve never had so much fun at a wedding.

Everyone says “You don’t even get to have much fun at your wedding because your running around all night” well all I can say is “ I feel sorry for those people because I could not have asked for a more fun time!!”

SNE: We hear all kinds of worries from concerned brides looking to choose the right DJ, and it seems like hiring a DJ can sometimes be a frightful process!  When you first started planning your wedding, what were some of your biggest fears and DJ nightmares?

Michelle: Dancing is a BIG part of my family so my biggest fear was not being able to find a DJ that was in our price range but still does a great job keeping the party going. I’ve been to way too many weddings where there were only a few people on the dance floor and knew I didn’t want ours to be that way.  We were also concerned that the DJ would possibly run the show without taking what we wanted into consideration.

SNE:  What were the most important factors in choosing your DJ?

Michelle: Price was really important to us because we were paying for everything on our own. However, we didn’t want to be stuck with people telling us “you get what you pay for.”  We wanted someone who was willing to take our ideas and expand upon them.

Michelle and Erik's beautiful indoor ceremony Photo by Life's Moments Photography

Michelle and Eric's ceremony at Lake Forest CC Photo by Life's Moments Photography

SNE: We thought it might hold out, but unfortunately, it rained and your ceremony could not be outside as originally planned.  Was it disconcerting to make other arrangements on the fly?

Michelle: I believe Justin and Missy did great organizing and getting everything flowing to accommodate the change.

SNE: You and Erik requested to hear Maniac by Michael Sembello from Flashdance and went absolutely crazy on the dance floor when we played it -- what's the special significance of this song to the two of you?

Michelle: Erik and I are BIG goof balls and we like to dance silly and have fun. At his brothers wedding... the song came on and we apparently felt it from our feet to the top of our heads and fingers (haha) and just went crazy. We had people cheering for us and taking pictures and brought a light feeling... into the room... Every time after that night, when we hear the song we go nuts haha!  When one of us [is] upset, all you have to do is start singing that song and we are popped back into reality.

Come on, ride the train! Michelle is the engine! Photo by Life's Memories Photography

The Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper, Michelle's favorite! Photo by Life's Memories Photography

SNE: We saw you really rocking out for most of your reception.  Tell us: which did you enjoy more, leading the train in Come on Ride the Train or dancing to the Cha Cha Slide?

Michelle: I LOOOVE any type of line dancing so I have to say the Cha Cha Slide was my favorite! I like that everyone does the same moves (for the most part) and everyone has fun!

Michelle wearing Maggie Sottero's Monalisa Royale Photo by Life's Moments Photography

SNE: You were wearing a pretty fantastic gown with an equally gorgeous headpiece. Who designed those?

Michelle: My dress was the Monalisa Royale, Maggie Sottero gown... I felt like an absolute princess in it! The veil was borrowed from my sister and was a Jessica McClintock veil. I got a beautiful hair piece to wear when I wanted to let down and have some fun and that was purchased in Akron at Coming Attractions.

SNE: Did you fall in love with the first dress you tried on or was it a perilous journey to find “the perfect dress?”

Michelle: I was certain I found “THE DRESS” about 10 times haha.

When I first put on the one I actually got I thought.. hmm not so much. After about an hour of me still having on the dress I thought okay I must really like something about it because I haven’t gotten out of it yet.

I can say I never really got stressed over any of the dress shopping experiences because I always found one that was perfect I just couldn’t fully commit.

I am lucky my best friend loves me so much and was willing to go anywhere and everywhere with me until I was certain I had “THE ONE”. I ordered my dress so far in advance that I almost changed my mind because I had forgotten what it looked like. It was tough because I had to guess what size I needed and pray that I liked the White one I ordered because I only was able to see it in Ivory.

When I walked into my first fitting, tears came to my eyes and I knew I made the right choice!

SNE: Your flowers were also really beautiful. What was your inspiration? Tell me about your process of working with them.

Michelle: I actually did the flowers myself along with help from my bridesmaids. We went to JoAnn Fabrics on numerous occasions for hours at a time but in the end it was less then a week before my wedding when we finally got everything we needed..and the day before until we had it all actually put together! But boy it was fun and memories in the making! I knew I really wanted something bright and my only requirement for flowers was I had to have hydrangeas because I think they are so elegantly classic yet pretty!

Aww. Aren't they sweet? You'd never suspect... Photo by Life's Moments Photography

...what happens next! Well - they're still SWEET! Photo by Life's Moments Photography

SNE: You had a really classic cake (and we know you had a great time cutting it, LOL). Which bakery created it for you, and what flavor(s) did you choose?

Michelle: We knew to look no further than good ole Giant Eagle! We love their cake and get it quite often... We gave them a picture of what we wanted and they told us what they could do.  We had a 3 tier cake so we had a full cake layer of white cake and 2 of chocolate with the butter cream frosting.  It was delicious and we were happy with our decision.  We def did love smooshing it in each others faces!

SNE:  How did having your ceremony followed directly by your reception work out without the traditional cocktail hour photo sessions?

Michelle: Looking back, we did not like having the ceremony lead right into the reception. We didn’t get to get enough pictures and we even had to see each other before the ceremony so that we could get pictures. We felt really rushed around (which could have to do with the weather we saw coming in) but we just really wish we had more time to breathe and relax. It was convenient for our guests which was important for us, but we needed to think about ourselves too since it was our big day.

SNE: How did you and Erik first meet and what made him the "keeper?"

Michelle: Erik and I met at Kent State University. We had a speech class together and apparently I impressed him with my introduction speech because he went home and Facebooked me.

Now this was at the beginning of Facebook days and I couldn’t figure out who this kid “befriending” me on Facebook was. He mentioned we had a class together and while I was a little leary of him we talked and ended up hanging out.

He felt our friendship was blossoming into something more, however I wasn’t convinced and went my own way. After not talking much for about a year, Erik expressed to me that he missed me and couldn’t go out with anyone else because he always thought of me. I thought wow maybe I’m missing something and I realized I was ready for a nice, caring, kind person.

We started dating and I knew that I would never find anyone else who was as great, loving, and fun to be with! The rest is history!

SNE: Dish: tell us about the proposal!

Michelle: Well, about 6 months in I knew that I wanted to marry Erik and build our lives together. We were inseparable and just perfect for each other.

He knew it too, but was too broke to buy a ring haha. I liked to sing “Put a ring on it” [from Single Ladies by Beyonce] to him all the time and hint at it every chance I got. I even would drag him to the jewelry stores and try on rings to show him.

Then, as cliché as it is, Erik bought a ring and had everything set to propose on Valentines day 2009 while we were out at dinner.

Me, being the weirdo that I am thought it would be great to eat at my favorite resturant Don Pablos..forget it being Valentines Day and not romantic I just wanted to go there.  Erik started to panic and realized he was NOT proposing at a Mexican resturant so he decided to do it right at home in our living room.

We decided to exchange presents before dinner and he gave me some chocolate and a stuffed animal. I was quite disappointed because I had a feeling it was coming yet it didn’t appear that way. He handed me a cute mushy card and at the end was “Now I have one more surprise..look up..” and it was then that he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

I thought it was a joke until he said “look: it's even the ring you asked for!” haha. I knew I had no doubts in my mind and I was one LUCKY girl!

Reducing is good, recycling is better, but reusing is by far the most effective way to green any element of your wedding planning.  Why not wear your pink ribbon with pride as you double up on goodness by finding your used dream wedding dress at the Making Memories Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns!  Don't worry -- most of the dresses themselves are white; only the sentiment is pink or green! (Though I do know of a pretty cool chick who once rocked a pink wedding dress, herself)

Printable Flyer - click to enlarge

This once-a-year event will make a stop to visit us here in Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio area the weekend of March 25-27, 2010 at the Radisson Hotel & Suites, 35000 Curtis Boulevard in Eastlake, Ohio, convenient to brides from Akron, Canton, and Cuyahoga Falls, as well.  The event will be kicking off with a special VIP night Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 6:00pm - 9:30pm.  VIP tickets are $35 for brides and $25 for guests.  VIP brides will get first pick of wedding dresses  prior to the sale opening to the general public on Friday, March 26, 2010 from 10:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday, March 27 from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Not feeling the used dress vibe?  No problem!  The Tour of Gowns collects donated wedding dresses not only from recent brides, but also from dress shops, manufacturers, and directly from the designer.  More than 50% of the gowns available will be brand new, never worn.

Either way, you'll have your pick from hundreds of (mostly white, of course) gowns valued at up to $8,000 at prices ranging from $99 to $799, as well as an exclusive selection of couture gowns valued at up to$20,000 at savings of 25-75% off.  All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted, and 100% of proceeds go to help Brides Against Breast Cancer fight this silent killer.

Want to make a donation?  Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Tour of Gowns accepts monetary gifts, gowns, and volunteers!  Monetary and gown gifts are tax-deductible.  For more information, visit their website or contact Brenda Chovanak.  Go Pink!  Go Green!

A Love Story Memory Montage or Memory Slide Show is probably both our most unusual and most inquired-about service to add on to your wedding Disc Jockey entertainment package.  Unfortunately it also seems to be one of those things that's difficult to explain if you haven't seen it!  As they say, "a picture's worth a thousand words," so I'll keep my descriptions short and give you some photos!

If you've visited us at any of our bridal show or open house events like the Today's Bride Show in Akron or Giavonna's Catering and Banquet Hall's Bridal Tour, then chances are you actually may have already gotten a sneak peek at a Memory Montage without even realizing it -- ours!  Our booth display includes Something New DJ's own Wedding Memories Slide Show with photographs of our past weddings -- brides and grooms, excerpts from testimonials, special offers, and other cool wedding stuff.

DJ AJ9 at the Today's Bride Show, Akron with a Something New Entertainment Memory Montage

Simply put, our Memory Montage is a looping multimedia slide show presentation that plays constantly throughout your wedding reception.  The Montage is presented on a flat screen TV surrounded by a elegant, gold-gilded frame.

Something New Entertainment Bridal DJ Service Wedding Love Story Memory Montage

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Pay no attention to the blue wallpaper behind the frame.  Each Memory Montage is custom-designed just for you using your wedding colors or theme, as well as fonts you like from your wedding invitations, and, of course, your photographs and favorite quotes from song, literature, and scripture.

A Something New Entertainment Love Story Memory Montage is a great way to share your special memories with your guests in a format that doesn't require you to stop what you're doing, bring out bulky equipment, and turn off the lights.  Your out-of-town guests who may be meeting your new spouse for the very first time will still be able to see all the reasons why you fell in love from the very beginning, but you'll probably be able to fit another table for eight in the space that big old projection screen would have taken up!

The Love Story unit is entirely self-supported and can be placed in a variety of locations around your reception venue space.  Typically, we recommend placing the Memory Montage adjacent to an out-of-the way, highly trafficked area, such as your wedding guest book, reception seating chart or escort cards, candy buffet, wedding gift table, photo booth, or another spot of your choosing about three feet square within reasonable distance of an electrical outlet.  This allows your guests to view the presentation at their leisure while the party continues and provides a great conversation piece.

This service is available as an add-on to any wedding reception's Disc Jockey or Uplighting booking, and is available wherever we serve -- including Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Youngstown, and the surrounding Northeast Ohio area, and limited dates are still available for 2010.  For more information about a Something New Entertainment Bridal DJ Service Love Story Memory Montage, please contact DJ AJ9 at 330-253-2900.

As you may already know, Something New Entertainment is more than just a DJ, and we do much more than just play music.  We are always striving to find new and exciting ways to add value to our services to make your overall wedding experience even more magical, including tasteful Master of Ceremonies (MC) duties, dance floor and party lighting, multimedia presentations, and more.  I wrote to you last week about our latest addition and improvements for custom monogram projection and included some sample photographs of the different methods from other sources.  Today, I'm going to walk you through the pros and cons of each kind of lighted monogram projection and share some of our own photographs.

We had the opportunity to play around with our newest toys for our lighted monogram projection services during Giavonna's Banquet Hall's March Bridal Tour this past Saturday in on Munroe Falls Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls!  We have three great projection methods to choose from, including glass gobos in monochrome or color, steel gobos, and digital projection.  Here's a look at each of those projection methods and how they compare, as well as some photos to inspire you!  As always, design services for any method of projection are complimentary.  We'll incorporate your wedding colors, theme, and even the fonts you used on your wedding stationary!

STEEL GOBO PROJECTION

Steel gobos are small metal discs custom-cut to your design and used as a lens to direct the beam of light from a a high-powered theatrical lighting instrument.

Steel gobo projection on a dance floor

Steel gobo design

Design for a one-color glass gobo

One-color glass gobo projection on a dance floor

Glass gobos provide the same crisp, bright, easy-to-read projection image, with greater design latitude to your image, and the ability to incorporate colors into your design -- as much and as many as you like!

Two-color glass gobo design

Two-color glass gobo projection on a dance floor

Whereas steel gobos require a tabbed design and can cast only a single-color projection, glass gobos are available in monochrome or multi-colored designs, and offer an improvement above the more common steel gobos by allowing free-formed design not restricted by tabs.  Glass gobos are also more durable than steel gobos, so if you're thinking of using the gobo, again, at an anniversary party in the future, etc., choose glass.  Brides and grooms using steel gobos using glass gobo projection will also be offered their custom glass gobo as a unique keepsake!

DIGITAL PROJECTION

Like glass gobos, digital projection offers a nearly limitless amount of colors, but unlike either gobo projection method, digital projection does not require the costly production of a custom steel or glass disc and is inherently more inexpensive.

Digital projection on a dance floor

Digital projection design

Digital projection also offers the ability to scroll between multiple images, but it is not as high-powered as the traditional methods and some designs may be more difficult to read on darker surfaces.

MORE FUN IDEAS

After your first dance, you can choose to keep the projection on the dance floor, or, move it to the wall or ceiling!

Steel gobo projection on a wall

For more information about Something New Entertainment's projection services, contact DJ AJ9 via e-mail or phone at 330-253-2900.

Please give a special congratulations to Patricia and Sam of Akron, OH on their winning entry in the January Today's Bride Show Something New Entertainment "Win a FREE DJ" Contest.

They won a FREE DJ!

The contest was open to all attendees of the Akron January Today's Bride Show held at the John S. Knight Convention Center in downtown Akron.

The Grand Prize, a no-strings-attached 5 hour reception with a Something New Entertainment DJ includes all the features of our "Gold" package (our most popular package) --  all set up and tear down, travel within a 30 mile radius of Akron, OH 44308, up to 5 hours of play time, custom music selection, event coordination, two planning consultations with your actual DJ, customized music selection, a lucky sixpence for your shoe, and a Something New Bride tee!

Several winners for the smaller prizes including Something New Entertainment Gift Certificates, T-shirts, sixpences, and other cool stuff have also been chosen and will be announced as the week progresses.

Keep checking your e-mail and the blog for more information!

We had a great time at the Bridal Tour at Giavonna's Catering and Banquet Hall yesterday afternoon spinning some tunes, meeting some happy couples, and having an opportunity to taste Chef Frank Espositio's spectacular authentic Italian fare.  This warm, intimate venue would be especially great for smaller weddings in the 150 guests and under range, but could comfortably seat as many as 180.

Giavonna's had their 740 Munroe Falls Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls banquet hall set up formally with several different (example) colors of linens displayed -- including purple, lavender, pink, and red.  They also included some of their in-stock Eiffel tower vase centerpieces on mirrors to the table dressings, leaving a very clean, open, and uncluttered feel -- an advantage especially if you have additional items you want to incorporate into your table settings, such as placecards, table numbers, favors, etc.

The decor of their hall is also neutral enough to accommodate many themes easily.  We are currently working with a a bride planning a Halloween wedding at this location (think "fun kids/family party" in green, orange, and purple), and though many venues have too strong of background decor to accommodate this kind of theme, we think it's going to be particularly fantastic at Giavonna's.  Plus, check out their cool little adjoining lounge:

We also had the opportunity to spend some time browsing the beautiful Beadtini Boutique collection of necklaces, earrings, and more.  You might already recognize one of their Swarovski crystal necklaces; it was featured on the cover of last Spring's Today's Bride Magazine.

Beadtini Boutique offers beads and beading supplies, beading and bead-making classes, and a great workspace, as well as pre-made and custom-made beaded jewelry.  They do "Girl's Night Out" parties, bridesmaids' gifts, bridal jewelry, or even gorgeous adornments for your bouquet!  Jennie, one of the owners, told me that one bride created bouquet adornments for her wedding day, and then after the wedding, made memory jewelry out of them for her mother and mother-in-law.  What a great gift idea!

They carry a wide variety of beads -- glass, as well as Swarovski crystals, semi-precious stones, and freshwater pearls.  You can DIY or HTDIFY -- that's "Have Them Do It For You" -- either way, you'll get a unique piece made to suit your style.

Driving towards Giavonna's we saw two GIANT stretch Cadillac Escalade limousines.  We were kind of wondering who was in them and where in the WORLD they would be going at 10:30 AM on a Sunday -- then we noticed them turning into the parking lot in front of us!  These beauties are available through Accurate Limousines, and will definitely turn some heads!

Now -- I know what you may be thinking: "I thought your blog was partially dedicated to GREEN ideas, AJ9!  Is an SUV limo really GREEN?"  Well, the answer is: maybe!  Chew on this:  SUV limos get between 9 and 17 MPG, and while that may not seem like much, consider that the limo's passenger capacity is four to six times that of your car.  Translation: if it's just you and your groom all by your lonesome in the back of that big ol' limo, probably not so green, but put your whole bridal party in there, and you may actually be saving some emissions!

Here's the math: you and your groom each have four attendants. Likely, you're looking at at least 5-6 cars you would be using to transport those 10 people.  Even at 40MPG in each of those 5-6 cars, you're effectively getting 7-8 MPG for the group, so the limo would actually be better that 5 hybrids.  It's something to think about -- plus you've get free champagne upon request and a designated driver.

For those of you who were not able to make it down to Giavonna's yesterday -- check out their all-you-can-eat pasta, salad, and breadsticks deal Wednesday evenings from 5:00PM - 7:00 PM for only seven bucks ($7).  We'll definitely be down there this week!  Yum!

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION: We will be performing this weekend at Giavonna's Banquet and Catering's Bridal Tour from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM this Sunday, July 17, 2010, at their facility at 740 Munroe Falls Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls.  For those of you hoping to have an opportunity to see our staff in action in a reception setting, this is a great chance!

The Bridal Tour is a terrific opportunity to see the hall all dressed up for a wedding in one of the many examples of configurations and decor Giavonna's has to offer.  You can also discuss more personalized options for your wedding day!  Please feel free to bring along your groom, as well as any other guests.

This family-owned and operated catering company and banquet hall is virtually a one-stop-shop for all your reception needs (you'll have to supply the groom, of course .  Right now, Giovanna's is offering an all-inclusive package for only $29 per person!  That price already includes tax and gratuity, as well!  The package includes assorted veggies, fruits, dips, cheeses, and crackers for cocktail hour, as well as plated salads, two entrees, two side dishes, one vegetable, rolls, butter, coffee, tea, beverages, and four hours of bar service, PLUS your facility rental for five hours, set-up, tear-down, all tablewear, table decor, linens, cake cutting, staffing -- even your cake.  Definitely something to check out!

Call Giavonna's for more information at 330-316-7820 or 330-618-1634.

We had a great day Sunday at the Akron Today's Bride Show at the John S. Knight Convention Center in Downtown Akron celebrating our 10th Anniversary and meeting lots of engaged couples!  Unfortunately, we ran out of the special 10th Anniversary discount flyers we were making available exclusively to Akron Today's Bride attendees about halfway through the day and had some additional printed quickly for the rest of the afternoon .  For those of you who came through during the brief time that we didn't have flyers available for you to take with you -- just check your Pink Today's Bride Tote for an item from us with our signature gold gilt frame and light blue wallpaper.  You can present this item and still receive the 10th Anniversary discount!

In addition to getting to talk with all you wonderful brides and grooms (and moms, dads, bridesmaids, flowergirls, and all the other important people supporting the two of you as you plan the first day of your new lives together) plus the great staff of Today's Bride, we also got an opportunity to make some new friends with our neighbors.

As I've said before, passion for your craft is reason enough to open a business, but we think it also takes a special passion for love to make a really great wedding professional.  We are always thrilled to meet other talented and kind-hearted people as dedicated to helping you make your wedding dreams come true as we are.  We wanted to give a special "shout out" to a few we noticed on Sunday.

We had a great time working with Joy from Henri's Cloud Nine and provides music for their Gown Sale Showroom.  They had a TON of gorgeous gowns by several designers including Pronovias, Mori Lee, Maggie Sottero, and many more.  Joy has a great sense of humor, and, as you may already know, they have a huge selection of gowns for brides, maids, and moms at their store in Minerva, as well as tuxes and accessories.  If you haven't already selected a gown, hit up Henri's!  Henri's will also be hosting a Gown Sale Showroom at the Cleveland Today's Bride Show coming up this Sunday at the I-X Center.  Need tickets?  contact DJ AJ9 for information about becoming a Something New Entertainment VIP guest.

We were also lucky enough to be stationed across from Swank Floral Creations who had a variety of arrangements and bouquets that were not only gorgeous, but smelled great, too!  They do have an extensive online gallery of their work on their website, but photographs just don't seem to do it justice.  Their stuff is vibrant and creative because their staff is vivacious and eager to try new ideas.  They seem like a great group to work with to help you find the perfect design for your special day.

We also had an opportunity to speak with the staff of Berlin Hotels and Suites.  They have a lovely, picturesque pond-side gazebo perfect for a romantic wedding plus a banquet facility that will seat up to 250.  Also, travelling time between your hotel, ceremony site, and reception site could potentially be just a few feet!  They also offer a range of spa services including (sigh) massages.

Last, but certainly not least -- have you heard about Peek-A-Boo Divas?  They are doing the cutest '40's style pin-up boudoir portraits.  This two-woman team based out of Wadsworth could help you make a really sweet and sexy gift for your fiance.