Behind the Board DJ Entertainment

28/07/2024

I only caught the tail end of it last night, but this kind of thing has been happening at several of the weddings that I've handled at The Jerome Event Center so far this year. 🤔

CONGRATULATIONS to the Kriegs! 😊

27/07/2024

It's been a few weeks since I last took care of a couple at The Jerome Event Center. It won't be long before this Mr. & Miss become Mr. & Mrs. 🥰

Elijah & Taylor, it's nearly time to have some Serious Fun. 😏

25/07/2024

Ugly Truth on this :

While I've always understood why couples inquiring about the experience that I provide ask "what makes you different from everyone else", I've yet to actually get comfortable answering the question.

My knee-jerk response in my mind is always "Well... They AREN'T *ME*"

Translation, their approach to the job, the way that they view providing entertainment at weddings and other events, their processes and work ethic aren't exactly MINE. Could there be similarities? Sure. But how I operate when taking care of My Couples isn't going to be how the next individual or company is going to operate.

Here's part of a better answer, one that is TOTALLY My Truth:

For me, weddings are about Connection.

- Connection with that couple that I'm taking care of. Getting to know them, their Love Story and how they want to celebrate.

- Connection with that couple's community. It's NEVER just about the couple, even if they're the focal point. I've had some poignant conversations with parents of the couples that have been in my care. I've danced with several grandmas - moments that are not lost on me in terms of how "out of the norm" they happen to be. And I've been declared as an honorary member of several families because I've been "adopted" as "The Family DJ." I can't even begin to articulate how profound that is.

- Connection with the other WIPs (Wedding Industry Professionals) that are taking care of that couple. Nearly all of my business is word of mouth. The vast majority of that word of mouth at this point comes from a few of the venues that I've done my thang at. I try to be a team player BECAUSE it's best for the couple that we're serving, but it's also best for all of us in the end (IF it's accepted, of course). There are a few that share more of their personal stories with me because of it. While I realize that those connections are more in the "Reason" or "Season" category, they STILL fulfill the connection part of the equation.

The picture attached: taken by one of my favorite photographers at one of the venues that has my business on their preferred vendor list. THIS is me FEELING IT. THIS is the picture that says a thousand + words about how it feels to be in that element.

Looking for entertainment for your wedding, company party or some other event? Message me. Let's see how well WE Connect and if I can provide the type of personalized experience that you're looking for.

📸: Krista Reynolds Photography & Co

15/07/2024

It's time for some BTB Weekly Shout-outs:

Mother Nature chose to give the newly married Berubes MUCH luck on their wedding day!

I was concerned that the ceremony would be forced inside: despite a few sprinkles during the last 10 minutes or so, Jauhn & Kali were able to have a picture perfect ceremony.

To Jauhn & Kali:
I appreciate you choosing me and BTB to be a part of Page One of this chapter of Your Love Story. Going back to the video clips that I captured of the day brought it all back... I hope that you're honeymoon was AWESOME! 😊

To Mason and the Round Lake Vineyards team:
THANK YOU for the hospitality, the service, collaborative spirit and your patience.

I can't do my job as "easily" without being allowed the freedom to execute The Plan as best I can, given the situation.

Also, Mason - you were a LIFE SAVER when it comes to having the backups that I didn't realize I needed until THE. LAST. MINUTE. I APPRECIATE you!

To Jessica of Jessica Sauck Photography:
It was a pleasure getting to work alongside you while taking care of the Berubes. Thank you for keeping communication open and being so easy to work with!

Seeing the shots that you've already shared from the event brings a smile to my face. 😊

Honorable Mentions:
North Star Farm Event Center: long story short - if not for your request to have the company that I used to subcontract for send me for events that they book, I wouldn't have met Jauhn by handling his brother's wedding. 😉

🌹: Dee's Floral & Designs
Bridal Gown: Bel Soie by Valerie’s Bridal
Makeup/Hair: Hot Girl Weddings
🍰🍪: Alex's Cakes

06/07/2024

Congratulations to Zach & Abby! 😊

We're going to have some Serious FUN today. 😎

22/06/2024

In a few hours' time, this couple is going to make it official! 😊

I'm excited to take care of you and your community!

18/06/2024

This picture takes me back to the Jeffries' reception back in February. 😁

From the moment we stumbled on talking about "The (WW)E", we figured that we were destined to work together.

With title belts firmly around their waists and John Cena's theme blaring through the speakers, it wasn't a surprise that their wedding celebration was a PARTY!

Personalization is KEY: reach out to me via DM or at https://behindtheboarddjs.com to check availability for personalizing YOUR wedding celebration or other event.

14/06/2024

It's ? OK, that means that it's time for some BTB Weekly Shout-outs.

Last Saturday's wedding was the second one that I've taken care of for this family. The weather was GORGEOUS for an outdoor ceremony (especially when the sun came out in full force just before Alexis & her mom walked toward the altar).

The WIP team was ON. POINT. The newlyweds were appreciative. Putting this video together took me back to it - definitely Soul Food. 🥰

To Mr. & Mrs. Malakowsky:
Thank you for choosing me & BTB to be a part of your wedding celebration. Watching the two of you enjoying yourselves and each other is one of those things that motivate me to keep taking care of weddings.

Your feedback on how valuable our Final Walkthrough Meeting and the planning app were to your confidence in how the day would play out is exactly why I do what I do in the way that I do it.

I look forward to seeing how Life progresses for you both. 😊

To Liz, Erica & the Brackett's Crossing Country Club team:
I can't express enough appreciation for how well you all take care of me. From the referrals to the conversations about the timeline & allowing me the freedom to do what I need to do to take care of our charges, you're all Top Notch. 👏🏾

To Jessica of Everworth Photography:
Thank you for being SO easy to work with! It's always my goal to make the experience for everyone involved go as smoothly as possible. I look forward to working alongside you again. 😊

To Greg (representing Bellagala):
I honestly can't remember how many events we've just happened to work alongside each other, but I appreciate how you approach the business.

Thanks for the collaboration and the conversation! I'm sure that our paths will cross again. 👍🏾

Honorable Mention: Amy Revak

07/05/2024

Testimonial Tuesday:

The saying is that getting paid to do what you love means that you DON'T work.

Those of us getting paid, making a living doing what we love all know that that statement is a lie.

Being paid to do what we love actually makes it MORE work. We just tend to enjoy the work aspects of it more (but I'm here to attest to the fact that we *DON'T* ALWAYS enjoy it more, nor do we enjoy EVERYTHING about making a living doing what we love).

My job IS NOT "DJ your wedding": my job is to provide an unforgettable experience for a once-in-a-lifetime event for My People. That experience includes all of the interactions had before The Big Day arrives.

What Kendra described in her direct message mainly references her experiences from her wedding night - her review paints the bigger picture.

The work that I put in goes beyond "playing the music" at most of the events that come my way. When you love what you do, the bare minimum is simply NOT an option.

Kendra: thank you for the Soul Food! 🥰

It was a privilege AND a pleasure to take care of you, Danny and your community!

30/04/2024

Time for some BTB Shout-outs:

April 13th 2024 at Dellwood Country Club was a FUN outing taking care of the newly married Malewiskis!

Marcus & Nicole: it was a privilege to be immersed in the love & support that your community has for the two of you. From the stories shared during the toasts & speeches to the energy felt during the last song, it was everything that I always hope these celebrations can be for My People. Thank you for choosing me to be a part of it all.

Katie, Sarah & the Dellwood Country Club team: the support that I receive from you all does not go unnoticed. Whether it's the praise that My Potential People ALWAYS tell me they've heard when they first reach out to me or the mindfulness that I receive when we're in the trenches during an event, I appreciate the ways that y'all take care of me. THANK YOU!

Carrie Geary: you made quite the impression for my first time working alongside you.

You were a linchpin, and I appreciate every assist that you provided - especially those made before the day even arrived.

I appreciate your attention to detail and your hustle. I hope that we get to work together again.

Markina B. Photography: you definitely had your work cut out for you and I was impressed with watching you do your Thang!

Seeing the results of your work in the sneak peek and other pix shared brings it all back - I appreciate you!

Jordan with Monroe Film & Photo: one of my goals at every event is to provide as much support as possible to the other WIPs that I get to work with. I hope that I was able to make your experience a smoother one.

Thank you for your time, patience and attention while I helped guide everyone through the night's festivities.

Honorable Mentions:
Keys Cafe & Bakery
Taylor Marie Beauty
EVRY MAKEUP STUDIO
Creative License

30/04/2024

Testimonial Tuesday:

I've never made it a secret that I'm HORRIBLE when it comes to social media posting. With all of the advice on what to post, when to post, etc., it can literally give me a headache.

Ultimately, I just wanna do what I do because it's Soul Food.

I'm not exactly working quietly, but I'm not publicly hyping up the business at every turn, either. Those who get the value of what I do are HIGHLY appreciated because their testimonials are what made 2023 the best year financially since the rebrand.

I share feedback like this for two reasons:

1) Soul Food. Posts like this are reminders of everything that I pour into EVERY event that I handle: the time poring over notes, putting scripts together, organizing music and communicating with as many of the other Wedding Industry Professionals (WIPs) working alongside me.

When these pop up in Facebook Memories, they are reminders to reflect on where I've been while focusing on where I'm trying to go.

Trust me - at this point in my life, there's a HUGE need for this.

2) When My People articulate that they see and experience My Passion for what I do, it's validation. More importantly, for My Future People who may read those reviews - what's said isn't coming FROM me.

To Nicole: I hope that you don't mind me putting you on the spot by sharing your words here. They mean a LOT.

27/04/2024

MUSIC HAS A POWER THAT MOST UNDERESTIMATE UNTIL A MOMENT PUTS IT INTO FOCUS FOR THEM

My job isn't "To Play Music at a wedding or event." My job is to provide an EXPERIENCE, often at a once-in-a-lifetime event for those who have placed themselves in my care.

Music is just one of the tools at my disposal to aid in creating a PART of that experience.

One of the things that's going on behind the scenes before things totally get UBER-BUSY for wedding season is an overhaul of the look and feel of the gear that I'm using for the events that I handle.

With the change in the gear that I intend to use comes a MASSIVE music reorg that is much bigger than most that aren't in the DJ realm might not be familiar with might think.

In getting my music set for use according to plan (keeping the fingers crossed), I came across this song in my collection. Listening to it so that I can properly categorize it for my needs compelled me to share this vid in this post.

It's closing in on a decade since my father passed away. It's been over four years since my mother followed suit. As I type, I'm counting down the weeks before my youngest child graduates from high school. The following month, my oldest will be 25.

The Human Side of what I do is in FULL effect. It's not lost on me that people consider MUSIC one of the most important pieces of their celebrations. Most people only tend to think of the dancing.

It's my job to think of the more poignant moments; the moments that are about ceremony, tradition; about the people who have supported the couple being celebrated being honored in some way.

This song was requested by one of the couples that I took care of in 2023. I hadn't listened to it since that day before today.

I'm going to add it to my Mother/Son & Father/Daughter Spotify playlists as a suggestion for future couples to use at their weddings.

After I figure out how I'm going to get my eyes to stop sweating.

Listen Now: https://BonJovi.lnk.to/StoryOfLoveFollow Bon Jovi:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonJoviInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonjovi/Twitter:...

16/04/2024

Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to the Malewiskis!

To say that I grinned like a maniac on SEVERAL occasions while taking care of these two is an understatement. I truly do love the fact that I get to work with some awesome couples.

And I'd be doing Markina B. Photography a disservice if I didn't compliment her on how awesome these pix came out. She gets an even bigger shout-out for being so easy to work with (and if you know me, I'm BIG on working with other WIPs that understand just how much of a team effort these events happen to be).

Thanks MUCH for the tag! ^_^

04/04/2024

So, I have a question that's inspired by a couple of conversations that I had with one of the brides that I'm taking care of later in the year.

I make no secret about the fact that I'm not the best when it comes to posting on social media. All of the "Rules of Engagement" when it comes to SEO, how often you're supposed to post, what you're supposed to post, how often, etc., etc., etc....

It's enough to drive you insane, especially when all of this is geared to help you find Your People.

At heart, I'm a teacher/mentor. I LOVE that aspect of the job and have had opportunities to do so in a limited fashion. It's why I consider part of my job description as being a resource to those who place themselves into my care.

Back to the bride-to-be that I alluded at the beginning of the post. She reached out to me directly yesterday with a question about a song for her wedding ceremony. In one of the wedding groups, she posted a question to the group at large about something else regarding her ceremony (I just happened to see it in my feed, so I answered her in the group).

So, here's the deal: for those of you that have yet to get married, might it be helpful to you if I posted answers to questions that you might have when it comes to YOUR wedding celebration and either posted here, to the blog or to the BTB YouTube channel?

For those of you that have already gotten married, I'd LOVE for you to chime in, too. Would have been helpful to you if I had answers to those questions here, the blog, on the BTB YouTube channel?

Let me know in the comments or in DMs what you think. If you have any questions that you'd like answered, send those my way, too.

Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to your feedback and/or questions.

20/03/2024

Since late 2020, I've found a home of sorts at The Jerome Event Center. The look and feel of the space, the people that I've had the opportunity to work with are TOP NOTCH.

If you, a family member or a friend/colleague are looking for a place to host your wedding celebration, holiday party, etc., give JEC an opportunity to show you what they have to offer.

Recently engaged and not sure where to start?! Choosing your venue is one of the biggest checklist items for any bride and groom. Schedule a tour online with us today to see our beautiful, industrial, historic, all-in-one venue! ⬇️

https://www.thejeromedelano.com/schedule-tour/

📸:

09/03/2024

The SHARED Experience... THAT'S what I strive to articulate to the people that place themselves in my care as THE GOAL.

When people think "Wedding Entertainer" or "Wedding DJ", they think "we need music and someone to play it." They don't really consider the importance of the person/team providing the entertainment delivering on a Shared Experience for them and their guests.

One of the most powerful aspects of this is something that a lot of people (even yours truly, on occasion) take for granted: how an audio clip - whether it's a song or the voice of a loved one, can invoke the brain into triggering Emotion, Memories.

I've occasionally worked on a secret project inspired by my participation in The Entertainment Experience With Bill Hermann a few years back. While I haven't gone ALL IN with it thus far (focusing on other parts of the business that I know need to be built on), I understand the power of it and definitely appreciate the passion that goes into it.

Occasionally, I make the effort to dig deeper into it by listening to the words of the newlyweds during their wedding ceremonies when I have access and determining how to potentially give that a little more poignancy in a way that they'll never forget.

As I sit here with my eyes sweating a bit thanks to revisiting the first ceremony that I've had the privilege of officiating, I can't help but be reminded of a key reason behind why Behind the Board DJ Entertainment even exists:

What I do is Soul Food. My job not only feeds me; it allows me to assist in the feeding of others.

How's that for "someone to play the music?"

07/03/2024

The Denon DJ Primes (4 + and Go) are ready and waiting to get packed in the van with everything else.

I'll be there soonish, Brackett's Crossing Country Club 😎

05/03/2024

A Positive Review isn't the end-goal; it's the REASON that the positive review is posted that is the end goal.

My job isn't simply playing music. It's not simply providing equipment so that your vows can be heard during your ceremony or so that your VIPs words of wisdom can be heard during toasts and speeches.

My job is to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience containing several highlight moments that can never be repeated in the same way.

HUGE "Thank You" to Sarah (& Tyler) for not only allowing me to provide those moments for them and their community, but for also sharing their thoughts and feelings after the fact.

I APPRECIATE YOU!!

★★★★★ "I can't even put into words how FANTASTIC Steve was on my big day! He went above and beyond to make sure the day went according to plan and kept the dance floor packed the whole night. If you want the most fun, energetic, and enthusiastic MC for your special day, Steve is your guy! ...

01/03/2024

Time for some BTB Weekly Shout-outs:

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffries:
I'm STILL gushing over your wedding celebration. Yeah, I said "gushing."

Thank you for choosing me to be a part of the festivities! Watching the two of you & your community enjoying yourselves was Soul Food.

If I could justify having my own replica World Championship belt, I might have participated a little more on that end. 😉

Here's to the two of you pinning all challenges WITH AUTHORITY as you travel Married Life together!

Raleigh and the The Jerome Event Center team:
I almost feel like I need to have my own office/living quarters there. 😅

The state of BTB would NOT be what it is right now without all of you and the testimonials that you give to the couples that you have sent my way.

THANK YOU for being among my biggest supporters and teammates.

Josh and the A'BriTin Catering & Hospitality team:
Part of what makes my job easier is understanding how the other Wedding Industry Professionals (WIPs) operate and the open communication that we have when we're in the trenches.

Thanks to all of you, on the catering and the bartending sides, for being AWESOME!

Lexi of Lexi Renae Studios:
My goal with all of the photographers that I work alongside is to potentially help make their jobs easier. Whether it's something as simple as the brightness of the dance floor lighting or in redirecting the crowd's attention while the newlyweds are taking cake cutting pictures, it's all about Teamwork. Thanks MUCH for trading notes with me and working with me in taking care of Mr. & Mrs. Jeffries. 😊

29/02/2024

Today's Term of the Day:

Willy-Nilly

Brought to you by my conversation with my best friend about my music tagging efforts while I'm listening to Average White Band's "Pick Up The Pieces." You're welcome. 😏

24/02/2024

I met Sarah & Tyler at "A Taste of The Jerome" about a year ago. The discussion about their Grand Entrance was what sealed the deal for us to work together.

Today, we get to make that moment happen. 😊 But first, let's get you married! 😉

19/02/2024

I can't recall who it was that referred the Daos to me, but I SINCERELY appreciate the fact that they did! 🥰

Thank you, Lauren & Andrew, for your kind words. They really are Soul Food. 😊

17/02/2024

Another wedding at one of My Houses. 😊

Tonight's couple opted for the photo booth and they've supplied their own backdrop.

Looking forward to seeing how everyone takes to it tonight. 😏

15/02/2024

It's time for some BTB Weekly Shout-Outs

Last Saturday's wedding was a first for me: after hundreds of opportunities to provide Ceremony Audio Support, I finally officiated my first wedding ceremony.

I'm still wrapping my head around the overall experience and am trying to figure out the best way to share that with the world. That said, the occasion isn't one that I foresee forgetting any time soon.

The conversations with the Couple of Honor while putting together the ceremony script then discussing the flow of the celebration to follow were goosebump-inducing. Despite the concern of being nervous when we agreed to work together, I was more hyped than anything else to take care of them when the day arrived.

As always, these events take a village (a theme that permeated several conversations along the way). It's time for the acknowledgments:

First and foremost, Mr. & Mrs. Dao:
I can't express enough appreciation for you choosing me to take care of you and your community. The trust and faith that you both placed in me is appreciated. Add to that the fact that you chose me to officiate - I hope that, when you look back on it, it remains all that you'd pictured and hoped for.

To Katherine and The Pavilion at Holiday Inn & Suites Lake Elmo team:
Thank you for your part in the festivities. I appreciate you all working with me in my efforts to deliver the best overall experience possible to the Daos' families.

I especially appreciate the assistance with the ceremony rehearsal, the Wedding Party Processional and Grand Entrance.

Kennedy Wraspir:
I hope that you and your tag-team partner got everything that you needed when it comes to the pictures of the entire event. I did what I could to try to keep things moving along in a timely fashion and keep everyone on track. I'm looking forward to seeing the content that you captured.

Celiena of Celiena's Captures:
As with Kennedy, I appreciate having worked alongside you in taking care of the Daos. I look forward to seeing how you put everything together.

For anyone else that just happens to come upon this page: if you're looking for an MC & DJ for your event; an officiant for your wedding ceremony, shoot me a message. Let's start a discussion to see if we'd be a good fit.

Are YOU ready to have some Serious Fun? 😉

10/02/2024

Today's THE day! 😁

EVERY wedding is important and I put as much of myself into guiding My People and their communities through their once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Today is a little bit different: I've been given the honor of officiating today's wedding ceremony in addition to providing the entertainment. 🤯

It's been an AWESOME experience so far: HYPED doesn't begin to describe how I feel about what's happening this afternoon!

More to come...