August is a busy month in the dj world. Pretty much all my Saturdays in that month I have an event scheduled. I had someone ask about the first weekend in August for a Gilroy Wedding but I already have an event booked. I made it my duty to make sure they found their vendor. I sent them suggestions of people I know who know their craft. A day later I get a phone call for a wedding in Berkeley on the same day. Maybe love is in the air? So I did make an extensive list of other quality djs they should inquire after I reached out to them to see if they were available. The question is why do I put the effort in it after I know that I will not do the event? I know how frustrating it is to find quality folks to do parties and I want to show the guests what good djs can do. Of course I would love to do the event, but I can not do two events at the same time. I do make it my duty to follow up with the guests after I send them my selections to make sure they have a good dj for their event. 

So the lesson is always book your djs right away especially in the San Jose, Morgan Hill and Gilroy area. The summer months are full of birthday parties and private events and other weddings so it’s best to preplan to get the highly sought out djs. True there are many djs out there but it is best to get one with a good history of good performances and service.

Maverick Event Center in Half Moon Bay (https://maverickseventcenter.com)

This is one of the most beautiful ceremonies visually I ever been a part of.  The ceremony area is close to the reception area. The grass is well kept. You can actually hear the cute otters in the ocean. From the looks of it, one can have a wedding with 60 to 80 guests in the grass area. 

It was a wee bit windy so we opted to use the wireless microphone since the lapel would pick up too much of it.  I also included a wired microphone next to the officiant. Two days early I got my hands on QSC CP speakers. They are way lighter than the other qsc speakers I have but makes it convenient for ceremonies since it does not require super loud music. I like having two speakers than one in ceremonies. I know it is not necessary but it just sounds so much better.  The officiant did an excellent job with the ceremony. Alison (www.ceremoniesbyalison.com) was an awesome storyteller and it seemed like she knew the bride and groom personally from how well she told their story. 

The reception area was well decorated. They had a candy area for guests to stock up on sweets. The staff was nice. We were able to play music at a good volume. It is good to watch the volume because to be considerate of neighbors. 

Overall, Mavericks Event Center is a nice venue to have events at in Half Moon Bay. Keep in mind during the summer months beware of beach goers so allow yourself more time to get to the destination. But the view of the ocean and the ambiance is worth the extra drive. 

Sycamore Vineyards in Morgan Hill

I was fortunate enough to play at Sycamore Vineyards in Morgan Hill. They are able to host ceremonies, receptions and private events. They were able to accommodate an inside ceremony or an outside in no time. I was set up inside then the weather cleared and within 15 minutes they were able to make the outside area ready and they were professional and made it happen!

The staff was very helpful. They did everything to make the event as enjoyable as possible. They let me know if there was anything I needed be sure to ask. They were easy to work with and kept me in contact before the wedding. During the wedding we were in constant communication to make sure the wedding went smooth as possible.

The outside ceremony area has a view of pretty vineyards. For the cocktail area people can play bocce ball that they offer at no cost while other venues charge to play the game. Inside the reception area was many wine barrels to give a nice touch. The venue offers their own food menu and I give it two thumbs up. The place offers their own djs and if other djs are brought it they have to have insurance and have to sign an agreement to follow the venues rules (such as professional attire and not having subwoofers). The manager was helpful with helping me find the right insurance.

Overall a very beautiful venue to have an event. They have everything inhouse and it best to go that route to keep it nice and easy. It is a good  all in one venue.

Proposals can be fancy. People try to out due other proposals. It has spread to proms. Youngsters are trying to do something special. It is a growing trend. 

A common mistake is when the man proposes without a ring. A ring is a symbolic of the love the couple shares. It shows that the man (woman) prepared and thought about his proposal before it happened. Plus, with the ring, its proof that the engagement happened. It was not a figment of the imagination. Sometimes the couple will pick out the ring beforehand so it makes it a less of a surprise. If the man (woman) is not totally sure what kind of ring to get then they can get another ring then later exchange it for one that the couple likes and fits.

Sometimes in movies you see someone proposing to someone at a baseball field and they are surrounded by thousands of strangers who will forget about the moment the next inning. A proposal is monumental for the couple. Make it special for the both of you. 

Also, technology can be a positive thing. It can get you to your destination and you can find out the latest news. Before the proposal, the one who will propose might let something slip on social media so it ends up on everyone’s feed. Next thing you know then the future spouse knows about it and it is no longer a surprise.

Sometimes couples are old fashioned and the future spouse wants the proposal on one knee. The other partner (the proposer) might not want to do it but it would mean a lot to the future spouse. Just get it done. It is a story they would want to share with their family and friends. 

1 Des’ree  I’m Kissing You

2 Sade  By Your Side

3 Luther Vandross Here and Now

4 Christina Perri A Thousand Years

5 Eric Clapton Wonderful Tonight

6 John Legend All of Me

7 The Righteous Brothers  Unchained Melody

8 Ingrid Michaelson Can’t Help Falling in Love

9 Stevie Wonder  You are the Sunshine of My Life

10 Etta James  At Last

11 Journey  Faithfully

12 Stevie Wonder  I Just Called to Say I Love You

13 Lonestar  Amazed

14 Dooley Wilson It Had to Be You 

15 Nat King Cole Unforgettable

16 Louis Armstrong What  A Wonderful World

17  Jason Mraz I’m Yours

18 The Goo Goo Dolls Iris

19  Joe Crocker  You are So Beautiful

20 Savage Garden Truly Madly Deeply

21 Aerosmith  I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing

22  Israel Kamakawiwo’ole  Over the Rainbow

23 K-Ci and JoJo  All My Life

24  Mazzy Star  Fade Into You

At the beautiful Club Autosport in San Jose, Black and White Affair Dj Services hooked up their system with the house system, Easily, you can  have sound run through out the whole establishment with only 2 15 inch speakers. It was nice to have all that power already built in the venue. At the venue, patrons have the option to have a stage or not. There is a huge big screen located on the premise to show slideshows or videos.

Prom goers were dancing to their favorite tunes while being next to classic cars that they took selfies with.