DJaysEntertainment

Great reviews! I hope you don't mind that I come to the defense of one of our "competitors", the Strip Photography... Providing 500 pictures where 20% were "quite good" is VERY good in a 2-hour session. That's 100 nice shots in 2 hours, about 1 every minute. It sounds like they provide what is called a "shoot and burn" meaning they shoot the pictures, maybe do a little adjusting, and then burn them on CD for you. That's cool, but many photographers will do "special" processing on a selection of your favorites (from 5 to 30 of them usually), and some will give alternate versions of many of your shots (ie. a color version and a b/w version). Now, my non-political-correct side has to comment on a couple other things.... As for the other issues (being on the phone), that's really just unprofessional. It's 2 hours, other people can wait, or he could be on the phone while driving. The one thing that really stood out is that you were disappointed with the "framing" (we call it "composition"). That's very surprising really... that in itself is the main reason you hire a pro photog. For their "eye". As for scheduling, we do a lot of Strip Tours and we always work it out in advance on where we can go in a certain amount of time. That is usually 3 to 5 properties, but we also get more in-depth at the properties... there are more great shots that just in front of the signs, etc. We also pretty much insist that we ride in the limo if we one is required (but we usually suggest to concentrate the photos in a certain part of the strip, then maybe 1 other location on top of that). It's WAY too hard to find each other at the new location! We usually just let our brides know that they'll be doing a bit of walking! And a random-ish comment: We cannot believe that brides excuse "rushed" vendors... if a vendor has to rush between appointments (ie. Glamsquad) or cannot spend 2 hours with you without texting then we believe they need to make longer appointments (even if that means charging more!). The wedding day is NOT the time to rush a bride just so a vendor can make a little more money by squeezing in another appointment. That said, there's also a distinction between being efficient and quick, without "feeling" rushed. Disclaimer: I am commenting ONLY on this SPECIFIC case. I do not know whether the "rushing" (Glamsquad) or the texting (Classic Vegas) are normal behaviors for these vendors. Oh, is there an online gallery or a blog from your Strip Photo Tour? We blog most of our brides and all of them get an online gallery, I was just curious to see!

One of our recent brides invited us to the rehearsal dinner at Firefly and I think you'd feel comfortable in anywhere from business casual to a wedding dress. It's very laid back, yet upscale feeling. Plus, you're getting MARRIED! You're supposed to be in a wedding dress!

We've photographed several receptions (and DJ'ed too) at the Terrace Suites and all have been managed well (by the MGM). Most brides try to save a little money by hiring an outside photographer for the reception (and they DO allow that). And a party on the terrace is amazing... dancing while overlooking the Strip!

Quote: Originally Posted by [email protected] They all said that if the wind picks up (which it usually does) that you won't be able to hear the video. I don't mean to be negative, but that must be because they aren't using the right equipment. Our videographer has never had problem with wind, whether outside of town, or on the strip (which gets very windy too). The correct microphones and accessories would solve the problem. I will say that the deal at the restaurant is AMAZING. I'm going to have to call them and check them out so I can feel comfortable recommending them! And hey, I'm pretty sure you're one of the brides that we made Sticky Labels for at the Bridal Spectacular! It was very busy so I can't put email addresses/dates with faces but I'm sure we met when you picked up your labels!

OMG, Pampas is AMAZING. We just did another event there (DJ/Photo) last weekend. Our DJ texted me "you aren't kidding, the food is off the hook". You better like meat, though! Another option is Cheeseburger/Las Vegas Cheeseburger/Las Vegas, Wedding Catering, Wedding Venue, Wedding Wedding Planning, Nevada - Las Vegas and surrounding areas It's what the name says... cheeseburgers and other comfort foods, but the staff is wonderful and the decor is pretty cool. Oh yeah, and if anyone wants some "in-action" photos of Pampas, just email me. I haven't edited the photos from last weekend but will be doing them next week and can send you some samples so you can see what the room looks like!

The Artisan hotel is interesting... a real piece of old Vegas. Very art-deco, dark inside, etc. Have not seen the garden. Also have never heard of Las Vegas Masterpiece Weddings but that doesn't mean they are good or bad. I would also wager that you do not HAVE to do your wedding with that company if you want to do it at Artisan. A lot of "planners" make it sound like they are the only way you can get into a certain place. Not saying this is for sure the case, but it's worth some research. That way, you can book your choice of other vendors instead of being completely limited to the vendors that company works with.

It's difficult in the winter, especially for visitors... because you'll be in the casinos a lot of the time but probably walking The Strip the rest of the time. I'd suggest layers, with a windbreaker-type jacket. It's the wind, more than anything, that gets you.

Also make sure you ask your WC how much of a kickback they are getting from that "preferred" DJ. Full disclosure, right? Just make sure it's the best DJ for you, not the one that pays the WC the most. Oh yeah, that goes for ANY "preferred" DJ in any location, even in the States.

Quote: Originally Posted by Davematthews16 Thanks for your concern, but I find nothing wrong with downloading a few songs of which I have already purchased the CD's for. iTunes doesn't carry some of the songs I need, so I have no choice. The artists are getting plenty of $$$ don't you worry! Ok so if you already own the CD then just rip the CD to your computer. ITunes software will even do that for you. Use 192kbps and you'll be fine. It's legal to make a backup of a CD that you own. Here, let me fix your reply, though.. Quote: I find nothing wrong with stealing a few pairs of shoes which I have already purchased at another store. Payless doesn't carry them anymore, so I have no choice. Point is, it's theft. No matter how you try to justify it. Sorry for being so blunt but it's the truth.

Sorry to get in the middle of a controversial subject, but I wanted to point out that Limewire/Frostwire/Bittorrent, etc. are all ILLEGAL. You wouldn't walk into a wedding shop and STEAL your shoes, would you? Why would you consider stealing your music? Consider all the viruses, trojans, etc. that are all over the illegal sites as the "security guards" that will punish you if you steal the music. Sorry, I just have very strong feelings about this. I don't care if you hire a pro DJ (who, by the way, you should ask where he got his music!) but at least support the people who MADE the music. So, iTunes... guaranteed perfect quality, and legal.

Web searches, and possibly places like djkj.com and wedj.com If djkj.com has anyone in that area, let us know since we're in the same organization. We can do some "inside" research. Of course, just like there's destination photographers, there's destination DJ's... and we provide both My wife and I are hurting for a "working vacation" (hint hint).

While there's really no good replacement for a GOOD M/C (one that is NOT a family member since that is way too much pressure on them, plus they want to enjoy the night!)... the fact is that sometimes there's no need for an MC, or it is impossible to have one. So, we've been doing iPod playlists for a while, especially for one local place that provides an iPod as an option. It's the next-best-thing to having a "live" DJ, since you still get the expertise of the music choices, the good mix, etc. We even had one bride who had us RECORD an M/C voice for the Grand Entrance and for the intros for the 1st dance and other formal dances. That voice was mixed right in with the music. She said it went very well. BTW we can (and do) do this for brides all over the country (and world).

When our brides ask us this question, we always recommend "Shower the People" (James Taylor). Brides ALWAYS comment afterwards that the song was PERFECT. This is especially true since your parents are probably James Taylor fans (or at least know of him since he's been around a while). Oh, father and mother, sister and brother If it feels nice, dont think twice Just shower the people you love with love Show them the way that you feel Things are gonna work out fine if you only will Shower the people you love with love Show them the way you feel Things are gonna be much better if you only will

That's a lot of'em in that list! All that I could think of (DJ for 18 years) were on your list. 2 "related" songs that don't have Mexico in them, but are "tropical" and popular/fun are: Two Pina Coladas (Garth Brooks) 5 O'Clock Somewhere (Buffet/Jackson)

Welcome and congrats from Fabulous Las Vegas! I have a thread in the Las Vegas section where I've offered to answer any "insider Vegas" questions, make recommendations, etc. Feel free to post over there!

So have you decided yet? Here's another vote for Vegas. It has a beauty all its own (no, it's not a tropical heaven!). But, with some research you can really find beautiful locations. Plus everything is right here... and it's relatively inexpensive to get here. Another thought is that your guests will probably be more likely to come, because there's just so much OTHER stuff to do. I started a thread in the Vegas section for people to ask any "insider" questions about Vegas, feel free to ask away there!

That, and not all computers have DVD drives so a data DVD wouldn't be readable Most questions have already been answered but I think there's some misunderstanding on what "low res" photos are. First of all, you can't "retouch" them to make them better. They probably have already been processed by your photographer, but then "downsampled" to low res. That simply means that they can only be viewed on a computer, or if printed they would barely look acceptable on a 4x6. Forget about 5x7 and larger. Even if you COULD "retouch" them, by printing them you'd probably be breaking the copyrights that the photographer gave you... and that's just unethical. We firmly believe that that is changing. First of all, we know that if we provide only low-res versions, our brides WILL try to print 8x10 and they will look bad, therefore making US look bad. So it's self-defeating to limit to low-res. Further, I myself would rather make up-front money than HOPE for an order down the road. The time/effort spent 6-12 months later to make prints isn't worth it. It isn't worth the "sales" process to sell prints. And, IMO it's unethical to charge $50 for one 8x10 that costs us $2.45 at one of the best printing companies in the country! And here's a secret... I'd MUCH rather be answering our phones, responding to emails, and working on our marketing as compared to screwing around with making print orders. Think about it, why would I want to work hard trying to get a $300 or so photo order, spend a couple hours getting it ready to send to the printer, making the order, receiving the order, checking over prints, then re-packaging and worrying about shipping. I'd MUCH rather be talking to a prospective bride willing to spend $1000-2000 up-front for a full service photo package! So, all of our packages include a disc with hi-res AND low-res photos. So really there's 2x the photos, every hi-res is turned into a low-res, too. Bride gets both. We factor that cost into our packages. We don't "nickel and dime" our clients and we don't mislead or confuse our brides with fine print. For example, there's one company in town that claims to provide all photos on a disc. They do, but they are VERY low-res... like barely good enough to post on MySpace! That said, many of our packages include prints, but those are "sold" as part of the package and taken care of right away. There's no after-selling or screwing around with that stuff later on. ANYWAY, maybe the short answer to your question is this: If the photographer is offering hi-res photos on disc, ASK THEM the size of the photos (in pixels x pixels and also in file size). If they are truly hi-res, then they will be AT LEAST 5mb in size (except if they are black/white, they will be smaller). If they are truly hi-res then you can expect NO other expenses from the photographer. You'll have your own expenses, but buying very nice prints at Adorama or similar will be MUCH less expensive down the road. If they offer only the low-res disc then figure you'll be spending more money down the road buying prints from them, since you can't really print your low-res photos. that's the difference!

Just curious, did Vintage Vegas get all the drama sorted out with the owner and photographer fighting, the website/voicemail/phone system take-over by the photographer, etc?

Another one to add, we spent about 2 hours touring the Platinum Hotel & Spa with Leigh (pronounced Lee)... OMG this place is great. The meeting rooms are very nice, clean, well-lit but are basic meeting rooms. However, the Misora room and the restaurant/pool area are absolutely amazing. We shot a wedding/reception there last Friday and are DJing a reception there on Sunday. The staff is GREAT. I'd consider it a "boutique" ceremony/reception location since they don't have dozens of banquet rooms or 14 chapels. I make it a rule to not talk about money when it's someone else's business to quote, but Leigh did tell us today that to get the restaurant (looks like it seats up to 100-125 or so, my guess) has only a $5000 minimum, PLUS you get the ENTIRE pool area (for ceremony and/or reception). Leigh said today she's really looking for a B&G that would be willing to put plexiglass on the pool (leaving an inch or two of water on top, I'd assume) to do their wedding ceremony there. That may not be your cup of tea but it shows the creativity that she has! Anyway, for 10 or so people, the $5000 minimum may not work, but there is a small room near the back of the restaurant that I'd assume you could use. Can't hurt to give her a call... and as always please let her know we sent you! (BTW we don't directly get anything for this recommendation but it can't hurt to help get her to recommend us!)

Cool! Have fun!!!

Can pros with less than 100 posts participate using their own photos? Dont' want to break the vendor rules.

I told myself I wouldn't comment on "controversial" subjects but I have to. Please take this post as intended: simply thoughts from the photographer's point-of-view. This event is in January. That's only 4 months away. Most good photographers book events 12+ in advance. Had this been a paid gig, his contract probably states you would lose a deposit and possibly some or all of the full amount of the contract if you were to cancel so close to the event. Understand that although you are not paying this photographer directly, and they are getting a "free" vacation, it's not really free. They COULD work in their home city and make their normal payscale. They have agreed to trade their normal pay for a free trip. It is very unlikely they will re-book your date in this short notice, so if you cancel, they would not only lose the free trip, but also the income for that date. I guess what I'm saying is that if you were paying this photographer, you'd probably not even consider cancelling this late in the game. And IMO there's really no difference between paying and giving a free trip.

Wow, I need to read threads before jumping in to answer questions. LOL Seems that blkladylaw already answered almost the exact way I did, but remembered Lakeside Weddings which is the one I couldn't remember out at Lake Sahara. Sorry for the duplicate info.

Quote: Originally Posted by dixiebabe83 I think I will be a Vegas bride too lol. I wanted a beach wedding at sunset but we want to get married on 2/28/09. Not sure if you've made a decision yet but a "beach" wedding (or something close to it) IS possible in Vegas.... Not cheap, but Loews at Lake Las Vegas is right on the water. We're actually doing DJ and Video there in a couple months, but have shot photos for engagement sessions there several times (matter of fact we just did one this evening). It's beautiful. I am at home right now and can't recall the banquet manager's name but if you want to PM me I can send you the info. There's also a "beach" there, I'm pretty sure the Ritz Carlton "owns" that part of the beach and I'm not sure if they do weddings there. We have a couple posts on our blog from previous LLV engagement sessions so you can get an idea of what it looks like there, and Tiffany got some AMAZING photos in tonight's session - they are still on the camera but should be on the blog by the middle of next week at the latest. I can't remember the name of the other place here in Vegas "on the water" but it's out near Lake Sahara. They don't allow outside photographers so I don't have any contact info since we've never worked there. You may also want to check with some of the larger strip casinos with big pools, possibly Caesars, Mandalay Bay, Rio, etc. which all have "sandy beaches"....

I know I'm dredging up an older thread, but where did you choose and how did it go? Our brides are always asking for recommendations and we admittedly haven't been to every place in town, especially with groups of 30 people