Part of my new 2015 look will be regular Vlogs. I know what you are thinking, everyone says they are going to do new stuff, especially at this time of the year, and it lasts a few weeks.
Well I’m going to post at least 100 blogs in 2015, I promise!
I’m calling them my 123/ABC videos – always under 3 minutes and really simple, well that’s the plan.
Here’s the first one, it’s an introduction …
I know I keep saying I’m going to post more …
BUT this time I really am!
It’s been an amazing Wedding season for me this year, I still have at least one more to come and I feel so lucky to have played a part in so many amazing days. I meet most of my clients at Wedding Fairs and this weekend there’s another one, this time at Southampton Grand Harbour. It starts at 10:30 in the morning and finishes at 3:30 in the afternoon and I’ll be talking to lots of couples and giving out my beautiful packs full of information about wedding entertainment planning – so if your coming please stop and say hello.
… starts tomorrow!
I’ll be at St Mary’s – exhibiting and hosting the fashion show!
This means that today I’m very busy putting information packs together.
The pack not only includes the fabulous Party Hosts brochure, there are also two DVD’s, a letter, information about my Bridegrooms Workshop, our Finishing Touches and lots of other bits as you can see.
If you’d like one you can pick them up from me at a wedding fair or send me your details and I’ll post one to you or we could just get together for a free, no-obligation chat.
Email paul@thepartydj.co.uk or call me 0797973 617153 or 023 8086 1715
Right, back to these packs …
Last Saturday I was booked to play for a lovely lady’s birthday at Merchants at Ocean Village in Southampton. It was my first time playing at Merchants and I was really impressed with everything about the venue which is really special. Mandy and John really do make everyone feel welcome and their team were really attentive. I’m looking forward to my next time there and totally recommend a visit – the food looks amazing!
The balloon arch was by Candy and Ken from Balloon Express who I last saw at Sara and Ross’ wedding back in January.
I took a few pictures but until I’ve shown them to the birthday girl, and have her permission, I’m not going to share them, however this one sums up the evening … and my photography skills!
I had a phone call last Saturday lunchtime from someone needing a DJ for a wedding the same evening. It appears the call was from an agent who had taken the booking at a very respectable local venue.
I’m not sure what the clients were paying for the disco but I was told by the agent “there’s only £180 in it”. The call came in while I was on my way to drop Joe, our son, back at Uni in Loughborough and our day was planned out already. I declined the booking but did text the caller back an hour later to make sure the booking was covered – it was, thank goodness.
So why do I feel the need to share this here …
As I indicated I don’t know the full story – how much the couple were actually paying, why the original DJ wasn’t available, or how much was being taken by the agent as their fee. I just think it’s sad this happens so often and that couples don’t seek out entertainers who they can trust to deliver on their wedding day. I’ve never let a client down and, in the event of a major personal disaster and I can’t make a booking I have a long list of colleagues I can call on to step in and take over. This isn’t necessarily about how much a DJ charges, it’s about how much you can trust your DJ.
… well the Mouldy Fig actually as there’s a private booking in the main room.
Looking forward to working with Olly Murs tribute Only Olly / James Hutchinson. Back when I worked at The Vine we used to host regular tribute nights every month and I saw some really great shows so I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.
More information about Only Olly (and me) at The Concorde Club CLICK HERE
The other main speaker on the Sunday was Alex MacLaren who is professional actor, improviser and trainer who gave us a couple of really excellent sessions under the title “Insights from Improvisation”.
On the Sunday evening there was the Gala Diner in the Crowne Plaza’s ballroom. I have to say, the food and service throughout my stay was fantastic and this meal was no exception. Later in the evening we were entertained by Amy Housewine and a very good mind reader whose name escapes me, but the highlight was the presentation of a Life Time Achievement Award to my good friend and coach Derek Pengelly. Eddie made the award which was greeted with a standing ovation.
After the Diner we moved to the bar where this picture of Jim Cerone and The Party Hosts was taken.
Monday started with a networking breakfast at 7:30am. The whole day was filled with excellent sessions including one with Derek on marketing. The final session ended at around 6pm and we all adjourned for one last cuppa and our goodbyes, the atmosphere was a fascinating mix of emotions – sadness, joy, excitement and many, many more from a group of about 100 people who all shared and contributed in something very special.
Two days full of challenging training,great conversation and networking – so much to think about and, as I type this a week later, so many ideas to develop and implement – where will I find the time!
This was the first ProMobile Conference, two days that, I believe, have changed the UK mobile industry for good. I look forward to next years event and charting the progress that we will make in the time between. Thank you Eddie, Mark and everyone who played a part.
Thursday evening
I’m just off to meet a new couple for a chat about their wedding day – fingers crossed!
Friday Evening
I’m doing a 175th Birthday Party ~ it’s a joint party for three lovely ladies ~ it’s going to be a blast.
Saturday
This is another interesting one, Alan, Gary and I are doing a special lighting install for an event on Sunday ~ a chance to get creative.
Sunday
It’s the Hampshire Wedding Show at Southampton University Ce and I will be there and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of our favourite suppliers and meeting lots of new couples planning their special day.
The 1st 100 brides through the door will get a luxury goodie bags, completely FREE!
There’s a FREE copy of the latest Eternity Bridal Magazine for every bride attending.
Plus it’s FREE entry for everyone
… so come and say hello!
and then …
It’s off to London first thing on Monday with Alan and Gary for a day of social media training.
I think I’ll have a rest on Tuesday 🙂
It’s always great to be asked to do something a bit different, it’s even better to get asked by people who have seen me work and want me to DJ for them!
Siân and Natalie saw me DJ at the two weddings I played for at Marwell Hall last year – they have been working on the functions team there. When I got an email that said “I have seen you a few times this year – providing some fantastic entertainment for some of our wedding couples” how could I say no to playing at their leaving party. Along with their friend Jordan they are off travelling around the Southern Hemisphere.
The venue was the Goals Soccer Centre in Southampton – a very good and affordable party venue with excellent bar prices and really lovely staff. More information about GOALS HERE
The room has two parts a lounge/bar area linked to a dancefloor area. As well as the booth, speakers and regular lighting I supplied a single TV screen to run a photomontage of pictures of the 3 hosts. They had also decorated the room with flags, bunting and some excellent road signs.
Once everyone had arrived and the buffet had been served Siân, Natalie and Jordan took a brief moment in the spotlight with Siân thanking everyone for coming. I did try and get a Q&A session going but the only question that came up was “is there any room in your bag for me?”.
So then it was on with the party. I also supplied a couple of “Good Luck” gobo’s which you can see in this picture.
Op op op op oppan Gangnam Style 😉
The party finished at midnight but Siân, Natalie and Jordan had already made plans to head on into town afterwards and I was able to let everyone know where to go for the “after party”. The next day I received this message on FaceBook …
Afternoon Paul, just wanted to say I’m so sorry I didn’t catch you before I left last night but thanks for a wonderful evening! Everyone has said what a great night they had & that you were fantastic!! Thanks for everything beforehand too & for making it so personal to us I thoroughly enjoyed myself & I know Natalie & Jordan did too!
It was my absolute pleasure.
Siân, Natalie and Jordan have a great time, take care, enjoy every minute and stay in touch 🙂
For more information about weddings at Marwell Hall PLEASE CLICK HERE or give me a call.
This was actually my first New Years Eve wedding and my first visit to the Chilworth Manor since I returned to DJ’ing just over 3 years ago. I provided music for the ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast and evening party as well as acting as host on behalf of the Bride and Bridegroom. Chilworth Manor is a lovely venue and the team were very attentive and helpful at all times. I’d certainly recommend having a chat with Chenine on 023 8076 7333 or email her on weddings@chilworth-manor.co.uk if you’d like your wedding close to Southampton. CLICK HERE for more information about Chilworth Manor.
The Lord Selborne Suite had been dressed by my friends from Balloonique and looked lovely, they had covered the drapes, added a twinkling backdrop to the top table and a starlit canopy to the ceiling. I added some uplighters to the columns for the day and my usual up-lighters and booth for the evening. CLICK HERE for more about Balloonique.
It was a lovely day and I hope to post more once the Bride and Bridegroom return from their honeymoon.
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