Monday, May 23, 2011

Venue Review - Crystal Gardens

A few of you have been wondering... where are the reviews?  Well, here's another one for you.  This time it's Crystal Gardens in Howell.  I do 6-10 events here a year.  As it is close to home, I'd like to do more here, but they have an odd way of recommending vendors - it's about about who pays to advertise with them.  You've already heard me complain about bridal shows being nothing more than a sales rally.  Needless to say, I'm not listed as one of their "preferred" vendors because I don't do their bridal show.

Crystal Gardens at night

Regardless of politics, I have to say, Crystal Gardens staff is one of the most professional I've ever worked with.  There are always plenty of staff members to take care of all your needs.  When food is served buffet style, the food NEVER runs out.  Someone is always there to replenish the pans before they're empty.  The food is always good and pending what entrĂ©e choices were made, it could even be worthy of a five star restaurant.  The hall is elegantly decorated, well kept and always clean.

If you're planning your wedding here I do have some tips for you...

> Make sure you book the hall for the full amount of time you'd like to stay.  While I don't have a problem playing longer (hourly rates apply), they won't extend the time for you at the end of the night.

> The food ranges from good to incredible.  Most caterers will allow a time for a tasting, I don't know if they offer this, but you should ask.

> The corner room with the corner DJ booth may look nice, but it doesn't accommodate a very large reception.  Keep that in mind when booking.

This is the corner room setup for the wedding ceremony.

The view from the corner DJ booth.  It's difficult for guests to make requests in this room.

Because the dance floor is in the center of the room, there isn't a good way to keep the sound aimed strictly at the dance floor.  This can make it hard for non-dancing guests to talk later in the evening.  In other rooms, the dance floor is at one end of the room.

While price may be a factor, Crystal Gardens does a VERY nice job and your guests won't be disappointed. Just keep in mind you CAN pick your own DJ!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Your day, starring... YOU!

Have you thought about doing a slide show but just don't have the equipment, time or experience to pull it all together?

The DJ Guy offers a FULL slide show package!  Simply send your images on a CD (numbered as 001.jpg, 002.jpg and so on).  I'll put together a slide show, provide the screen and projector and run the slide show either as a one time showing done to the music of your choice OR as a continuous looped showing done during cocktail hour while guests are arriving.

When the slide show is done, the DVD will be yours to keep!

If you're interested in adding a slide show to your reception, simply email me at ed@thedjguy.info

Sunday, May 15, 2011

There's a New DJ in Town!

You may have noticed that I haven't been posting much lately.  I recently took a few weekends off as my wife and I had a baby girl.  She was born on April 29th.  Here are some pictures... one from the hospital and one from her photo shoot.



And by the way, if you ever need baby pictures, contact Jennifer Hosking.  She is EXCELLENT with kids and does the best work.  Unfortunately, she doesn't do wedding photography.


The Sad Times We Live In...

Unfortunately, this is the truth we live with today.  People are desperate and they'll steal from anyone.  Please ask your bridal party and parents to keep an eye on your gifts and cards throughout the night.  You never know when something like this might happen.


http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/wayne_county/man-crashes-wedding,-tries-to-steal-wishing-well