About Us
Are you ready to hear your guests brag that yours was "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever"? Let us show you how to make that happen!
We are NOT your average “WIkki-Wikki” type DJ! Average DJs say they do what we do. If they really did, they would haveraving reviews and receive the same Wedding Professional Awards.
Average DJs (that's NOT us) do average things. Average is NOT what you want on your wedding day.
Doug LaVine is a credentialed Wedding Entertainment Director/Disc Jockey and Award-Winning Master of Ceremonies. "My Wedding Coordinator and detailed Reception Director, Dara Harmon and I have personalized and presented literally hundreds of Fun & Personalized Weddings and Receptions throughout Northern California, Nevada, Nebraska and Kansas. We develop the perfect timeline filled with unique and creative entertainment ideas and complete the program with 'TruColor' Up Lighting, Monograms and our premier Open-Air PhotoBooth method. Our attention to details and a creatively fun style has earned us multiple prestigious awards including the AfWPi 'Wedding Professional of the Year Award'. For Brides who are seeking Exceptional Wedding Direction, Entertainment that is more fun than a Barrel of Monkeys, and Bragging Rights ... We Really Are the Perfect Choice. We turn ordinary into Extraordinary."
The products and services we offer
Recommendations Received (5)
"I've the pleasure of working with these 2 Awesome professionals so many times and they always..."
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"I've the pleasure of working with these 2 Awesome professionals so many times and they always have a smile on their faces and just love what they do. "
"Doug & Darla do more than just DJ. They help everyone feel comfortable & welcomed. They help any..."
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"Doug & Darla do more than just DJ. They help everyone feel comfortable & welcomed. They help any event go smoother. Love working with these guys!!"
Products & Services
Gallery
Recommendations Given (15)
"Dara Harmon is the Couple's Best Friend at every wedding. She is the Go-to person that solves..."
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"Dara Harmon is the Couple's Best Friend at every wedding. She is the Go-to person that solves every concern, and virtually every potential problem.
She really knows how to connect with her wedding clients and make virtually every moment of a wedding day filled with bragging rights and hammy memories.
I highly recommend her for your Planning, Direction, Coordination, DJ and Entertainment needs, along with filling your day with amazing ways to make guests' heads turn with something, new, different, planned expectations and surprises, special effects and a fresh new approach to creative entertainment ideas."
"Flower Joan (as she is called in the wedding industry) is so bubbly, energetic and totally..."
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"Flower Joan (as she is called in the wedding industry) is so bubbly, energetic and totally passionate about her floral artistry. She takes pride in going beyond expectations to surprise each bride with her creations with how much she puts into each bouquet and arrangement. We always enjoy the way her talent adds to the elegance and decor of each wedding we do with her. To describe her in one word: "Amazing""
Recent Activity
As a Master of Ceremonies, and one who speaks often to entertain in front of hundreds of people it is a question that I have heard many times before. And it is difficult to answer to some who may be sensitive or are looking for a pat on the back.
I always giggle out loud and tell them I am not...
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As a Master of Ceremonies, and one who speaks often to entertain in front of hundreds of people it is a question that I have heard many times before. And it is difficult to answer to some who may be sensitive or are looking for a pat on the back.
I always giggle out loud and tell them I am not the one to tell you that because I have studied under many of the best, attended dozens of public speaking seminars and have practiced at Toastmaster International (I am a DTM) and other speaking groups. I quickly explain that I have been around the best, so I can't be fair when comparing to all of the others.
"Your willingness to stand in front of a group and open yourself up is a great success, your material was well-prepared, and you have a lot more to offer than you presented here. If you would like to get better, I would love you to go with me to a Toastmasters weekly meeting and you will become your own best critic on recognizing how you can do it better next time. Would you like to go this Wednesday evening for an hour?"
If they are really interested, they will be happy to go with you because they have a friend that is willing to help them get better, no matter where they are on their speaking career.
While it took decades to get to this point, it was time-consuming, and takes dedication and passion, integrity and honesty, and doing everything possible to exceed expectations, to realize virtually every new customer from referrals and word of mouth.
20 years ago the actual work involvement...
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While it took decades to get to this point, it was time-consuming, and takes dedication and passion, integrity and honesty, and doing everything possible to exceed expectations, to realize virtually every new customer from referrals and word of mouth.
20 years ago the actual work involvement time as a DJ took 6-8 hours. Now our work time involvement in each DJ job takes more than 30 hours for our DJ Entertainers
It took literally hundreds of bridal shows, magazines, phone books, boutique shows and thousands of wasted dollars to get leads and new customers, only to find that our over-the-top performance and high standards is reaping more free referrals and positive leads than all of the advertising ever did for us.
Just doing a good job with average performances, you know the expected minimum with the "hey, great job" compliments, never brought the referrals we wished for.
Spending more "time" in planning, and per-job prep, interactive performances, and doing countless (226 of them, yes, we counted) performance steps, we are receiving more positive direct referrals that in turn generate more business.
Word of mouth takes us more time to "earn" a referral, but those referrals almost always turn into new business.
There are so many true professionals in the Wedding Business. Fortunately the best are members of AfWPi the Association for Wedding Professionals International and ADJA the American Disc Jockey Association.
The best thing I have found about professional associations is that members not only go...
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There are so many true professionals in the Wedding Business. Fortunately the best are members of AfWPi the Association for Wedding Professionals International and ADJA the American Disc Jockey Association.
The best thing I have found about professional associations is that members not only go there to mingle with other professionals but lots of them are there to suck up information and there are an equal number who are willing to share so much that they know - even with their competition.
As I have been involved with more of them, I have become close friends with them too. They are the ones I trust most with asking for advice and sharing back what I have learned too.
Make sure every piece of gear they use for cleaning is the best you can find, repaired and always working at it's optimum. Pay them a bit more than they expect (as you are already doing) and make them know they are important to you and the success of your business. Reward them appropriately....
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Make sure every piece of gear they use for cleaning is the best you can find, repaired and always working at it's optimum. Pay them a bit more than they expect (as you are already doing) and make them know they are important to you and the success of your business. Reward them appropriately. Share gratuities with them that come from your customers and make sure they are aware how delighted your customers are with the job they did for you.
Treat them with dignity and respect. Listen to their questions and opinions. Train them properly to complete a job fast and easily. Don't forget to convey your expectations. Anything short of that is unacceptable. Compliment them on a job well done and praise them for anything they did that was above and beyond the call of duty. Average jobs are just that. Not bad, but definitely not good or great - they are just average. When they do better than expected, make sure they know you are proud of their work.
As they help you create raving fans (yes, I mean that even in janitorial services) those customers are going to be your new free advertising base that will develop more customers.
It is your serve. The ball is in your court. Make it count or you will fail again.
After you get started you will get referrals from happy customers and it will all be downhill from there.
You can pay for a reputable seo that will put your company at the top of search engines like google (we are number 1 in 11 key words) and have them do your web domain as well.
Those will...
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After you get started you will get referrals from happy customers and it will all be downhill from there.
You can pay for a reputable seo that will put your company at the top of search engines like google (we are number 1 in 11 key words) and have them do your web domain as well.
Those will be long lasting and you only need to do them once, then you will have presence, so those looking specifically for you will find you at the top of the list.
The question that needs to be addressed deals with the purpose of having a tent. Is there inclement weather (hot or cold or raining)? The total number of guests in attendance? Will all of the guests be standing or seated? Will there be a meal service, and if buffet, will the buffet tables be in...
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The question that needs to be addressed deals with the purpose of having a tent. Is there inclement weather (hot or cold or raining)? The total number of guests in attendance? Will all of the guests be standing or seated? Will there be a meal service, and if buffet, will the buffet tables be in the same tent or an additional tent? Will there be dancing? What other forms of entertainment will you be using for a more memorable event?
I am guessing that this “wedding party” purpose may be used for a complete wedding reception, so perhaps one of the most important ANSWERS is that all of the guests will be seated under the same tent for the purpose of a dinner, wedding program, toasts, cake, traditional dancing and then entertainment. That would mean one large tent, to include tables and chairs and a right size dance floor for the number of confirmed guests attending.
After the logistics and needs are established, and what size and style of tents are available, it will be easier to choose the style that fits your needs and budget.
As a Wedding Entertainment Director®, Master of Ceremonies and DJ at countless events where tents were used, I can attest that the size of many of the tents became way too small for the true needs, and distractions of cramped spaces in or under a tent became the biggest issue, not whether it was a church tent or wedding tent. When some of your guests are forced to sit outside of a too small tent, it takes on the look of poor planning.
Keep in mind the size of the tent became the biggest issue on the day of use. By looking at the 2 posted photos you can easily make several observations:
The first picture with a few serving tables at one side and standing room only (no seating, no dinner tables) shows about 15 guests comfortably standing. Calculating that to a comfortable full, may include a total of perhaps 50-60 guests. If there is a small party, and no needs are recognized for any type of program, this tent makes a very nice cover to keep you out of the sun. More guests will require a larger tent or second tent. Splitting your guests into 2 tents or locations is never a good idea.
The second tent is more revealing and may be a bigger waste of money. It shows what seems to be 4 tables and seating for 20-28 guests. I don’t see any table for the bride and groom (this is a wedding party after all). If the purpose is a sun cover – it failed, as more than half of the tables and chairs have full sun hitting them (take a second look). With a guest count of only 28 guests, small tables and 5-7chairs at each table, this would work, but if the guests count is more than 28, and you want to have larger tables that seat 8-10 per table, and include a head table for the bride and groom and their wedding attendants, and drop side walls to hide the sun from peeking in, you would not be able to use a tent like this at all. Comfortable seating for 100-110 guests, including head table, bridesmaids, groomsmen, dance floor, hors d’oeuvres, cake, and refreshments and gift tables you would (probably) need a 30 x 60 tent.
Size of the tent continues to be the most important factor. Getting the right tent for your needs is going to so much more important in functionality and comfort.
When you take into consideration the memories you can generate with all of the guests seated under the same larger tent, the purpose of keeping everyone together fulfills it’s purpose.
1 Reply
My wedding entertainment business model is somewhat different than most. My products and services are far beyond average and are never just ok. It is defined as "going beyond your expectations" and the "WOW Factor" making your clients say, "WOW, that was awesome". Everything is about the demand...
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My wedding entertainment business model is somewhat different than most. My products and services are far beyond average and are never just ok. It is defined as "going beyond your expectations" and the "WOW Factor" making your clients say, "WOW, that was awesome". Everything is about the demand for your services or product. When you have an overwhelming supply of customers, but not enough product or ability to fill those services, you would of course need some way to fill the demand, with an equal or better than equal service.
I have a different take on "how" to do it. My business, which is a very high-end entertainment service for weddings and receptions requires talented and highly skilled people. With that being said, I would only seek the highest qualified personnel, pay them well, even more than they are worth, to be able to give my customer "more" than they ask for.
There is a real bad reputation to subcontractors in the DJ entertainment business. I know you understand that. Have you ever seen a bad DJ? Yes you have. Their reputation is already in front of them before they begin. So I only want those DJs that will have some of their own skin and responsibility in the game. Their dedication will show to every client long before the job begins. I expect nothing short of going the extra mile on everything. We never cut corners to make the job easier for us. As your customers see that, your business will grow so there will never be a need of a part-timer.
Part-time workers are often seen as just a body to fill a space. My employees are required to be more than they are. Paying them more, and asking them to lengthen their stride, is a win, win deal for everybody. I am only looking for long term entertainers. I want them to know I trust their judgment, skills, talent, and expect them to give me everything and more in return. I want them to be here forever.
I don't see a value in training and teaching and sharing high class entertainment secrets with someone who is not going to stick around. It will show in their attitude and personal security of having and fulfilling the job.
Everything I give to an employee will return back to me in dedication, desire to excel, and customers that become raving fans with stellar reviews on the web and more word of mouth clients.
Almost all of our customers come to us by word of mouth referrals and all of them are Raving Reviews. Our Wedding Entertainment Services are beyond compare, and even though our prices are a little higher than the others, our brides soon discover that they get more from their wedding entertainment...
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Almost all of our customers come to us by word of mouth referrals and all of them are Raving Reviews. Our Wedding Entertainment Services are beyond compare, and even though our prices are a little higher than the others, our brides soon discover that they get more from their wedding entertainment investment than they would from the average DJ/MC. Our trend-setting planning, staging, lighting and interactive DJs and Master of Ceremonies are the secret to our success. This year we plan on rewarding those who have both referred us to their friends and family for high quality wedding entertainment, but also our couples who have trusted us with their day and allowed us to take responsibility for the overall success and countless memories we can create on their wedding day. While rewards can come in simple gift cards they can also be special and high value discounts they can pass on to those they graciously refer to us. I believe that nobody gives referrals for a reward. But receiving one, as a thank you from us, can be a surprise they will enjoy.
It seems that most people underestimate the scope and the depth of actual involvement, planning time, resources, fix-it-kits, and also the knowledge, experience plus the talent that goes in to being a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator or a Wedding Entertainment Director®.
We have...
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It seems that most people underestimate the scope and the depth of actual involvement, planning time, resources, fix-it-kits, and also the knowledge, experience plus the talent that goes in to being a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator or a Wedding Entertainment Director®.
We have included a list of more than 120 (actual written) steps that we do beginning with our first meeting with a potential bride (often times months before the wedding) to the last person walking off the dance floor at the end of the night.
I believe that the reason many brides have an average wedding day (or sometimes less) is all about the planning. And the decision to carry it out. And the planner that helped plan it in the first place, and the coordinator that made everything happen. And troubleshoot everything “before it happens” so all the guests and the bride sees is smooth transitions and a buildup of excitement all throughout the day.
Not all planners and coordinators are the same. There are tons of average planners and coordinators that do an average job and get average results. There are some really good ones, and likewise there are some that are just plain really bad. They dis-coordinate, miss so many golden opportunities for great moments (either from lack of experience or talent) and are usually in the way of progress.
Most coordinators that see our checklist are amazed that there are so many things we plan and coordinate and make into a hundred little moments that create a stellar wedding day experience. I ask the coordinator that we will be working with for the day to put a check mark next to the things they will be doing so I don’t step all over their toes and feet, I usually hear comments like “I am only here to help out”. Put that into perspective: I thought the planner was to generate all the great ideas and the coordinator was to make things happen. Again someone hired someone that had little or no clue.
If the coordinator is only there to “help” rather than take control and assume the responsibility, then the bride or her mother hired the wrong planner and coordinator.
Anyone that wishes to see what makes the difference, give me a call and let’s meet and chat for a while. I can show you countless things that will take you for an Entertainment Experience.
My customer success story may sound self-serving but it is completely the opposite. It begins every time a Bride and Groom chooses our entertainment services instead of the lower priced Average DJ.
With all of the sad tales and horror stories brides and guests tell about all of the bad DJs who...
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My customer success story may sound self-serving but it is completely the opposite. It begins every time a Bride and Groom chooses our entertainment services instead of the lower priced Average DJ.
With all of the sad tales and horror stories brides and guests tell about all of the bad DJs who do underhanded things or even average DJs and how they do as little as possible for a Bride and Groom'on their wedding day, you wonder... Average DJ begets average service and ends up with an OK or average wedding and reception. Brides and Grooms will tell everyone that their DJ played good music, but that is about it and when compared to what the DJ didn't do, the most they can talk about is good music? They hear the same songs on the radio every day.
It could have been so much more. It could have been Great or Amazing or "WOW that was the Best Wedding Reception Ever!"
I know that is exactly what we do when we make wedding entertainment an experience that goes far beyond playing music. We are creating lasting memories, wonderful experiences, energy and excitement. We help bride's and groom's realize the wedding and reception of their dreams.
My favorite success story is every time a Bride and Groom sees beyond saving a few dollars and trusts us to do what the other don't do. We hear it in our bride's and groom's voices with their praises and raves, we feel it in their hugs and letters and countless posts on Wedding Wire and Yelp.
Our biggest success story is when their friends and guests call us and want to also choose us, and they tell their friends about their great experience at a wedding reception that is so much more than hearing a good music they already heard on the radio.
My success story is the success story that we hear from each of our brides and grooms.
