Why Hire a Professional Wedding DJ?

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After photographing hundreds of weddings, we can tell you without a doubt- who you choose as a DJ can make or break your reception!

You want to find someone who doesn’t talk too much or too little, who knows how to mix music and stream songs together seamlessly, and who can get a crowd excited. You want someone professional, fun, and quick on their feet! (And you most definitely want someone who doesn’t start the party off with the chicken dance ;))

Finding a DJ who can check all of these important boxes is easier said than done- so we encourage you to always hire a professional with lots of experience!Eric from Grant Hemond and Associates was the DJ for our very own wedding, and we’ve worked with many of the DJ’s over at Grant Hemond on countless weddings! We can say first hand they have all of the qualities above and are definitely experts in the field, so we asked them to answer some questions below that should help you on your DJ search- keep on scrolling!

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Q: Why do you think finding a good wedding DJ is so important?

A:   A good DJ makes the flow of the evening seamless- They serve as the face and voice of the wedding to your guests! They are the Master of Ceremonies, so they need to have a good microphone presence and a confident approach when speaking to a crowd of people. The disc jockey can make or break the event!  A good DJ will provide an atmosphere of fun and dancing through music and coordination skills. They can read the crowd regarding music, and know how to keep the party moving.

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Q: What does Grant Hemond offer couples beyond the actual DJ?

A: One of the DJ’s most valuable assets is being a good coordinator between the bride and groom and all of their other vendors (The staff at the venue, the photographer, the videographer, the wedding coordinator, etc.). We keep the party moving without taking away from the bride and the groom – this is THEIR day!  We also offer services beyond emcee and music.  We offer uplighting, GOBO lighting (monogram), and photo booth services!

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Q: What is one song you can play to get any party started?

A: Tough one! Some of the guys “go to” songs to get things started are “Uptown Funk” or “24k Magic” by Bruno Mars, “ I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston, “Yeah” by Usher, “Kiss” by Prince, “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire, “Want You Back” by Jackson 5 and “Don’t Stop “Till You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson.

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A special thanks to Grant Hemond for taking the time to answer a few questions! We hope this is helpful information when it comes time to select a DJ for your upcoming wedding. If you are still in need of someone to DJ your wedding or event, be sure to check them out here! 

In need of even more wedding inspiration? Check out our top ten wedding day bouquet blog right here to get inspired by all things floral! 

RiverOaks Charleston

Without a doubt, this is truly one of the most beautiful properties in the South. Beyond the natural beauty, Riveroaks Charleston is more importantly a venue with a focus on relational and meaningful moments and a legacy that lasts. The owner and event planner Marianne has a truly special vision for each of the weddings she hosts, but is unique in the time and energy she spends cultivating relationships and lasting marriages! A sentiment I truly hope to mirror for my couples, so the time spent exploring these grounds were an endless stream of inspiration! The images below were captured at the Eric Kelley workshop this past April, and you can find Eric's stunning images here, as well as featured in a fashion editorial in The Knot Magazine!RiverOaksCharlestonRiverOaksCharleston11RiverOaksCharleston2RiverOaksCharleston9RiverOaksCharleston3RiverOaksCharleston10RiveroaksCharleston15RiveroaksCharleston16RiverOaksCharleston6RiverOaksCharleston5

Venue: River Oaks Charleston | Hair & Make-up: Lora Kelley | Florals: Flowerwild | Stylist: Annie Cavallo

Jade Lee Events

Increasingly over the last few years, I've had the distinct honor and joy of working with like-minded clients. Recently, I've been fortunate to build relationships with some incredible and inspirational artists and business owners in the wedding industry. Jade with Jade Lee Events may have single handedly justified my usage of twitter. About two years ago, I tweeted that I was at a business workshop in downtown Atlanta, and later that night Jade and I connected over dinner. Shortly after we met, Jade referred an absolutely incredible Southern Wedding in Athens, GA. It was a bucket list wedding to say the least. Not only is Jade an absolutely amazing wedding planner, but she's also a super talented floral designer. She has already accomplished so much in her first 5 years in business, I can't wait to see what the next 5 years have in store! Today I'm sending our last wedding together, and a gorgeous peach inspiration shoot  for publication.Jade_Lee_Events1Jade_Lee_Events2

Malindy Elene :: Couture for the Bride

When Megan, with Malindy Elene asked me if I could photograph a series of dresses and models for a look book she's creating, I responded emphatically yes. What I didn't expect was just how beautiful the dresses and models would be, and how incredibly streamlined and efficient the entire shoot would be. If Megan wasn't doing big things with Malindy Elene, I have a feeling she'd be a very successful coordinator. The amazing hair and makeup was done by Michele Renee and her staff, and the florals were by FH Weddings. There are so many other gorgeous dresses that I didn't get to post, but which is your favorite gown? I have a feeling many will say the first one, the Reem Acra ball gown, with a beaded illusion neckline and tulle skirt. Yes, being in the industry has taught me more about wedding dresses than 99% of guys would know, but I also had help from Megan on that one! Leave some love!

Dream Venue :: Swan House

Just over a month ago, I spent a long weekend in Atlanta for a gorgeous wedding weekend. Spring had seemingly past in Florida, but was in full swing in northern Georgia. In my free time before and after the wedding, I wanted to seek out some of the most amazing places/venues near midtown. For years now, I've seen blog features and several magazines featuring the Swan House, and I was totally in love. If you know me, you know my affinity for The Secret Garden, and this estate and garden may be the closest I've ever felt to Europe. This place is so beautiful, it will make a brief appearance in the newest Hunger Games movie. It will of course be a part of the "Capitol"... The venue from my wedding that weekend was also used in the movie... As a backdrop for District 12. Up next, a blog post from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens!

FH Weddings

It's true, I'm a sucker for gorgeous florals. Maybe it's my love for nature, or my garden board on Pinterest... Either way, I was so excited when Stephanie with FH Weddings asked me to shoot this arrangement in her beautiful studio space. I'm in love with the overall design, as well as all the little details. Don't get me started on the gorgeous color combination! I can't wait to work together again this season!Linens :: BBJ LinenStationer :: Tampa CalligraphyPlanner :: Chic Designs & Fabulous Events